Manchester United
Premier League • England
Man Utd takeover: Dubai investors the favourites as Jude Bellingham deal comes into sharp focus
Manchester United are attracting attention from multi-billionaire investors from Dubai as the race to take ownership of the Red Devils heats up, according to reports.
The Red Devils have been put up for sale by their owners the Glazer family, which could bring an end to 17 years of controversial ownership. The Florida-based businessmen acquired United for £790m in 2005, though the club have been in decline over the past decade.
Indeed, they are without a Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. And, while they have won the FA Cup, the Europa League and the League Cup since, their persistent failure to challenge for the title has been a sore point for supporters.
As such, their time in charge has been besieged by a string of protests from supporters over the years.
The main issue is that the Glazers are not reinvesting into the club what they are taking out. And with profit and turnover at an all-time high, there is frustration among supporters over the growing chasm between themselves and both Man City and Liverpool.
With United labouring home in sixth place in the Premier League last season, never has that gap been greater.
As a result, United appointed Erik ten Hag as their new manager. And the Dutchman was granted a handsdome summer kitty that saw him spend well in excess of £200m.
While the early signs have been good, there is still plenty of work to be done.
However, news emerged on Tuesday night that the Glazers were preparing to put United up for sale. And while they are also open to investment, a full-scale takeover for an eye-watering fee is also under consideration.
Man Utd takeover: Dubai investment group linked
Understandably, interest in acquiring the Red Devils is expected to be far and wide.
And now, according to Arabian Business, a group of investors from Dubai will be the first to show their hand.
The report, however, does not contain any details as to who may be behind the bid.
However, they acknowledge that the Middle East is a hotbed for the owners of the world’s top clubs. And it seems United are likely to be subject to a takeover bid from a group in due course.
The group are reportedly on ‘red alert’ for a potential takeover bid to buy out the Glazers’ share.
In a statement, the Glazer family stated: “Manchester United plc, one of the most successful and historic sports clubs in the world, announces today that the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) is commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives for the club.
“The process is designed to enhance the club’s future growth with the ultimate goal of positioning the club to capitalise on opportunities both on the pitch and commercially. As part of this process, the Board will consider all strategic alternatives. That includes new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the Company.”
Jude Bellingham linked again with Man Utd move
Any takeover of United is likely to set the new owners back a staggering £8bn.
And reports are indicating that the new owners will be able to furnish United with a number of their top targets previously deemed as unachievable.
To that end, Kylian Mbappe is once again reportedly on United’s radar.
Jude Bellingham is another United will likely target once again too. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is one of the world’s most in-demand stars rated at a staggering £130m.
United are among those keen, though Rio Ferdinand has explained why they are unlikely to win that race.
However, armed with unlimited funds, a fresh approach for Bellingham could yet be made. And the offer of a ludicrously high salary to boot could yet balance the scales in their favour.
Whether money alone is another to tempt the player, though, remains to be seen.
However, a takeover from new multi-billionaire owners will raise hopes that United are finally ready to compete off the field at least with the likes of Manchester City once again.
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