David Beckham has announced that he is ‘open to talks’ with any potential buyers about the purchase of his former club. Whilst Beckham is unable to afford the purchase on his own, it is understood that he is interested in becoming one of a consortium of investors, as per The Mirror.
Discover our latest podcast
There may well be a number of buyers who would like to have Manchester United legend on their team as it could improve their chances of winning the opportunity to buy the prestigious football club.
£7 billion
The Glazers put the football club on the market on Tuesday and it is understood that the family are seeking offers in the region of £7 billion in order to sell - a tidy profit on the £790 million they paid for the club back in 2005. The Financial Times reports:
One banker close to the process said United could be sold for close to £7bn; a bidding war could send it higher, they added. However, some footballing finance experts have said that even a £4bn-£5bn price tag was too high for a club that was unprofitable last year.
The statement was issued on Manchester United's website at 9.30pm - just at the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange, where the club is listed. In the statement, the club stated that the board of directors were starting a process 'designed to enhance the club's future growth' and that the Glazers would consider all options, including 'new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions’, as per the Daily Mail
Sir Jim Ratcliffe
It is thought that British billionaire and lifelong Man United fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe is preparing to make a bid for the club after his unsuccessful attempt to buy the club in the summer. Ratcliffe owns petrochemical giant Ineos - sponsors of the British cycling team - and is one of the richest men in the world, as per The Mirror.
Other buyers in the picture are US-based Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment and the Red Knights consortium, led by Lord Jim O'Neill, who made an unsuccessful attempt to buy the Glazers out back in 2010.
It is hoped that any purchase will increase the prospects of the club that has had a troublesome time of late. The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust have backed the sale, announcing, as per The Mirror:
Whilst supporters have long called for change, of course, this has to be the right change. At this moment in time, our club needs new investment more than ever. That requires new ownership.
Any prospective new owner or investor has to be committed to the culture, ethos and best traditions of the club.
Sources used:
- The Mirror 'David Beckham 'open to talks' to buy Man Utd after the Glazers put club up for sale'
- Financial Times 'David Beckham ‘open to talks’ about Manchester United sale'
- Daily Mail 'David Beckham is 'open to talks' over Manchester United takeover and could be involved in consortium to buy the club after the Glazers put the Premier League giants up for sale this week'
