Exciting news is swirling around the football world as Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani appears to be edging closer to acquiring Manchester United. In fact, sources suggest that an official announcement regarding the purchase could be imminent, potentially happening within the next few hours.
To provide some context, it was last November when the current owners of Manchester United, the Glazer family, expressed their willingness to sell the club. Since then, Sheikh Jassim, alongside Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has emerged as a leading candidate to take over the reins.
Initially, the spotlight was on Ratcliffe, the British billionaire, who seemed to be the favored bidder by the club. However, recent developments have reshaped the landscape, with Sheikh Jassim now believed to be firmly in control of the situation. The Qatari banker is pursuing a complete 100% takeover of the club and is seemingly in the driving seat.
According to reports from Al Raya, the purchase contract between the Glazer family and Sheikh Jassim could be finalized within the next few hours. Representatives of Sheikh Jassim are optimistic that a deal is on the cusp of completion, which would bring an end to the ongoing saga.
The anticipated price tag for acquiring Manchester United stands at a staggering £6 billion. This figure has been the target the Glazers have been working towards since November of last year. On the other hand, Ratcliffe’s interest appears to be focused on securing a controlling stake initially, with the potential for a full takeover to occur after a period of three years.
Ratcliffe’s proposal involved allowing the Glazers to retain minority ownership at Old Trafford, which was supposedly favored by at least two of the siblings. However, Sheikh Jassim is seeking an all-encompassing 100% takeover, indicating his strong intent to take charge. Additionally, the Qatari magnate has expressed a willingness to inject additional funds into the club, specifically to enhance Old Trafford and the Carrington training complex.
While negotiations and ownership talks unfold, Manchester United is not slowing down in their pursuit of bolstering the team for the upcoming season. In fact, they are on the verge of securing the services of Chelsea’s Mason Mount, who has already confirmed his departure from Stamford Bridge this summer. Mount is poised to become the club’s first signing of the transfer window, having successfully completed his medical examinations.
It’s worth noting that recent reports suggest there may only be £65 million remaining in Manchester United’s budget for additional signings, specifically a goalkeeper and a center-forward. However, should Sheikh Jassim assume ownership, it is highly likely that the available funds for transfers would increase significantly.
Last season, Manchester United celebrated their first major trophy in six years by clinching the EFL Cup in February. They also secured a place in the prestigious Champions League for the upcoming season after finishing third in the 2022-23 Premier League table.
Adding fuel to the anticipation, former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand recently voiced his expectation that Sheikh Jassim will indeed become the club’s new owner in the near future.
With the promise of new ownership on the horizon, Manchester United supporters eagerly await further updates as their beloved club enters a potentially transformative phase.