The end could be near for the Manchester United takeover process.
BBC Sports’ Simon Stone reports that a large amount of paperwork has already been done to reach the third stage of the bidding and there’s rising confidence that the process should be complete before the summer transfer window opens.
The deadline for the third round of bidding was April 28, 10 PM BST.
Both, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim submitted renewed bids for the club before the deadline. Sheikh Jassim is aiming for 100% control of the club while there are reports that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is willing to take control of the club with Glazers, particularly Avram and Joel, remaining as minority investors.
US investment firms like Elliott were not invited for the third round of bidding.
Game-changer for United’s transfer window
This news comes as a relief for a fanbase getting increasingly anxious about the takeover process. The process, which started in November, has ebbed and flowed with no end in sight so far.
Before the third round of bidding, haziness over the Manchester United takeover process had given fears to the United fanbase. The fans were getting agitated at the prospect of losing ground on their rivals.
With the end of the season approaching and the transfer window opening thereafter, it is imperative that Manchester United have a structure in place to attack the transfer market.
The current squad has gaping holes, particularly in forward areas, as well as in defence. A striker is a top priority and Erik ten Hag reportedly also fancies a new midfielder and right-back. David de Gea’s situation is going to need action sooner rather than later.
Without any clarity over who would be the person to sign the cheques for recruitment, United were looking at a situation where they would be stuck in limbo.
The club couldn’t afford that as it is crucial to get reinforcements to build on the progress Erik Ten Hag has shown this season. With this update, it becomes clear that a lot of formalities in a deal as huge as this have already been undertaken. What remains now is just the choosing of the preferred bidder and for that bidder to enter exclusive negotiations with the Glazers.
From there, the sun might finally rise in Manchester after 17 years of doom and gloom under the Glazers.
