Southampton: Saints Chief Executive denies rumours of US takeover

Southampton Chief Executive Martin Semmens has denied rumours of a takeover after reports of interest from a US group of investors.

Sky Sports claimed yesterday that Gao Jisheng’s 80 per cent stake at Saints had attracted at least two buyers, and that the leading group had put their plans back due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

However, Semmens has confirmed that this is not the case and that he is still in regular contact with both owners Gao Jisheng and Katharina Liebherr.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent about whether this report was true, Semmens said:

"“I don’t think so. I talk to Mr Gao and Katharina every week and they’ve never discussed this with me, so I think it’s pretty unlikely. I did read the report about that US interest, and if you read it again, there’s no fact in it and no detail that is correct.”"

Whilst Semmens could be denying rumours to keep the club working quietly, the information that he has given BBC Radio Solent and Adam Blackmore is likely to be truthful.

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This is because the club know which news sources are most valuable for their fans and which journalists are going to want to keep their links open.

Radio Solent and the Daily Echo act as the sources closest to St Mary’s and will have access to the best stories because they are so valued by local supporters close to the club.

Sky Sports may still pick up the odd exclusive on Saints but will need journalists who have great links to people who work on the inside.

It is, however, not impossible that Gao Jisheng would look to sell his stake in the club at this time.

He paid £210m for his majority share back in 2017, but will not be reaping the rewards given that Saints have stagnated in football terms since then.

Reports from the Daily Echo recently have said that he is not actively looking to sell but the club would welcome any additional investment if it was to materialise.

During the 2018/19 season, Saints made a £34m loss and this was their worst financial result since returning to the Premier League in 2012.