Man Utd takeover timeline now clear after ‘superior negotiation’ declare made
Manchester United takeover rumours have been rife over the last few days with a potential timeline clear after comments from Saudi official Turki Al-Sheikh
Manchester United takeover speculation has been swirling over recent days with a potential timeline becoming apparent.
Rumours of external investment were ignited by major social media comments from prominent Saudi official Turki Al-Sheikh.
On Wednesday, he posted on X: “The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor… I hope he’s better than the previous owners.”
Speculation about a complete club buyout predictably followed such a significant statement, but the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority later provided clarification on his remarks.
“My yesterday’s post about Manchester United’s potential sale meant one thing: the club is in an advanced negotiation phase with a new investor,” he explained on Thursday, reports the Manchester Evening News.
“Just to clarify, I am not the investor, nor are they from my nation. I’m posting this as a fan who wishes the deal to happen, though it might not necessarily happen.”
A talkSPORT report has provided additional insight into the mystery backer, or potential backers, with the group Al-Sheikh is referencing believed to be UAE-based.
It has also emerged that several club legends have been ‘approached’ about potentially investing in United. The Glazers have recently shown a willingness to accept minority investment, but selling the club still seems improbable given their demand for approximately £5 billion.
A comprehensive report from The Athletic supports the likelihood of no full takeover occurring until after 2026.
This is due to the current share prices for a stake in United, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe paying $33 per-share and a ‘drag-along rights’ mechanism being activated 18 months after his purchase that prevents him from blocking a full takeover if that’s what the Glazers desire.
This clause also affects a potential sale if it is sought before February 2027, with Ratcliffe required to receive what he paid in full. After that date, however, the Glazers can accept any amount which means the Ineos chief could lose millions.
Bearing this in mind, it is much more likely that any potential investors wait until that date has passed in order to pay less with the price per share being much lower.
