Rumors of a Manchester United takeover have been circulating in recent days, with a potential timeline revealed following comments from senior Saudi official Turki Al Sheikh
Speculation of a Manchester United takeover has increased in recent days, with a potential timeline becoming more clear. Rumors of outside investment were sparked by comments made on social media by influential Saudi official Turki al-Sheikh.
On Wednesday, he posted on X: “The best news I heard today is that Manchester United are now in the process of completing a sale deal to a new investor… I hope he’s better than the previous owner.” Following these substantive claims, as expected, discussions about a full acquisition of the club began, but the next day, the chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority clarified his comments.
“My post yesterday about the potential sale of Manchester United means one thing: the club is at an advanced stage of negotiations with a new investor,” he explained on Thursday.
read more: Turki Alarcik’s message, Glazer sale verdict, latest Manchester United takeover by UAE backersread more: Manchester United news: Red Devils dressing room claims bidder confirms intention to take over
“Just to be clear, I’m not an investor and they’re not from my country. I’m posting this as a fan hoping for a deal to happen, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will happen.”
talkSPORT’s report provided further insight into the mysterious backers, or potential backers, of the group Al Sheikh is referring to, who are believed to be based in the UAE.
It has also been reported that several club legends have been “approached” about potentially investing in United. The Glazers have recently shown an openness to minority investments, but the high asking price of £5bn makes a full sale of the club unlikely.
A comprehensive report from The Athletic supports the idea that a full takeover is unlikely until 2026 or later.
This is due to the current price of United’s shares, which Sir Jim Ratcliffe paid $33 per share and the triggering of the ‘drag-along rights’ mechanism 18 months after his purchase.
This would prevent him from blocking a full takeover if the Glazers wanted to do so.
The clause also affects a potential sale if it is sought by February 2027, as Mr Ratcliffe would need to receive the full amount paid.
But from this date onwards, the Glazer family can accept any offer, potentially resulting in millions of dollars in losses for the Ineos chief.
Given this situation, potential investors are likely to hold off on paying until after this date, as the price per share will drop significantly.
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