Crystal Palace part-owner John Textor is close to finalizing a deal to sell his 43% stake in the Premier League club to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson. The potential sale, valued at around £190 million, is seen as a crucial step that could help secure Palace’s eligibility to participate in next season’s UEFA Europa League.
Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings, which owns shares in multiple clubs including France’s Olympique Lyonnais, has drawn UEFA’s attention due to its multi-club ownership model. Lyon has also qualified for the Europa League, raising concerns of a potential conflict with UEFA’s rules on club ownership.
Sources familiar with the negotiations say Johnson has emerged as the leading candidate among several interested parties, largely because he is able to move funds quickly—a key factor given the urgency of the situation. Palace’s place in the Europa League is currently in jeopardy due to UEFA’s ongoing review of Textor’s involvement.
While no deal has been officially ratified, the talks with Johnson are believed to be in their final stages. His estimated £3.39 billion net worth and standing as a prominent businessman and heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical empire are seen as advantages in passing the Premier League’s owners and directors test.
Other parties reportedly interested in acquiring the stake include a Florida-based entertainment giant, a consortium featuring NBA star Jimmy Butler, and Sportsbank, an investment firm that had previously been identified as a preferred bidder. However, Sportsbank’s slower funding timeline reportedly weakened their position in the current race.
If the sale to Johnson is completed soon, it could positively influence UEFA’s final decision, which is expected by the end of June. The transaction also signals that Textor may be ready to fully exit his involvement with the South London club.
