England’s two biggest clubs, Manchester United and Liverpool, are both for sale and that has sparked endless rumours of interest from some of the planet’s wealthiest nations.
The Glazer family disclosed their plans of raising outside investments last year but now, it has been revealed that the American-based owners are likely to part ways with all of their shares in the Old Trafford club.
It is expected that a more formal stage of proceedings will begin within a month but billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already declared interest in acquiring the club he supported as a child.
Qatari Sports Investments, the current owners of French giants Paris Saint-Germain, have also been rumoured to be interested in United and now, those reports have been backed up.
According to The Athletic, sources close to QSI have confirmed that the Middle East giants hold an interest in acquiring United but an immediate purchase is unlikely due to their commitment to PSG.
It’s claimed that QSI are committed to PSG in the short and medium-term, making a purchase of United in the first quarter of 2023 highly unlikely.
Additionally, QSI are said to have held exploratory talks about United but Nasser Al-Khelaifi, QSI and Paris Saint-Germain chairman, has not met with The Raine Group, the firm overseeing the sale of the Reds, or the Glazer family.
The situation is described as an ‘evolving’ one and QSI expect Saudi Arabia to throw their name in the hat as well despite their ownership of Newcastle United.
SN’s verdict…
United’s value has skyrocketed since the Glazer family acquired a majority stake in the club and although they had very little impact on that, they will be viewing this as one of their better long-term investments.
In truth, United’s value is higher than most football clubs and it was always going to be challenging to find the right buyer. QSI have a proven track record of succeeding in football but their history with PSG certainly complicates things.
Ratcliffe has a large base of supporters on social media but with formal proceedings of the sale set to commence imminently, we will soon learn who, realistically, could own the club by the end of the season.
Wether Sir Jim or Middle East Investors we United fans are desperate to part ways with the Glazer Family so our club can compete again with additional summer signings #GLAZER OUT