Southampton takeover talks continue to progress
By Chris Hughes
Southampton Football Club’s potential takeover has taken another step forward, if reports are to be believed.
The Saints’ potential takeover by Lander Sports Development has been approved by the Premier League, according to reports in the Daily Mail among other sources.
The side’s chairman Katharina Liebherr was believed to have been open to the idea of having foreign investment, with the family have owned the club since saving them from administration.
Any proposed takeover had to be thoroughly investigated by league officials however, slowing down any successful bid and potentially delaying the sacking or backing of manager Claude Puel.
It’s believed, according to the report by the Mail, that the board have been in meetings with Lander Sports since way back in April.
Liebherr has been seeking extra investment but will not completely sell the club, instead keeping hold of a fifth of the club. It’s believed that the extra financial boost will held push the club up towards Champions League qualification, something that is seen as part of the side’s long-term plan.
Sofiane Boufal’s £16 million transfer last summer is the Saints’ highest paid fee for a player, whilst teams like Everton and Crystal Palace have all spent in-excess of £25 million for their record signing.
The takeover will reportedly be worth around £200 million in order for the Chinese consortium to secure their 80-percent stake. Talks can now progress between Katharina Liebherr and Lander Sports in order to reach an agreement.
Southampton fell short of expectations this season despite finishing eighth, and having sold their key players over the past few years fresh financial investment could be just the thing to keep their star players at the club for longer.