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Southampton: Report claims Saints are “close” to securing big takeover

By Marc Walker

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: A detailed view of the Southampton crest is seen on the bench prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: A detailed view of the Southampton crest is seen on the bench prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images) /
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Southampton are reportedly close to securing a lucrative takeover and were furious at “Project Big Picture” plans that could have derailed the club’s future plans.

According to a report from the Daily Mail’s Mike Keegan, Saints were not afraid to put their views across at a Premier League meeting last week after sensing that their takeover could be affected.

Proposals put forward by Liverpool and Manchester United were attempting to hand more power over decisions to clubs that had been in the top-flight for the longest and that included Saints after their promotion in 2012.

However, this goes against the values of the English game that provide equal opportunities to every club and, via the Mail’s report, seemingly would have been affected other hidden factors for clubs like Saints.

Girondins de Bordeaux’s US owner Joseph DaGrosa Jr (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP)
Girondins de Bordeaux’s US owner Joseph DaGrosa Jr (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP) /

Saints have been linked with a takeover by wealthy American Joseph DaGrosa in the recent past, with reports claiming that lower costs during the Coronavirus pandemic had increased the chances of a £200m change of owner.

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Chief Executive Martin Semmens has denied that a takeover is close but extra investment is said to be wanted by the club – especially after recent losses of revenue and the £75m loan they took out at the beginning of the pandemic.

It is very much in Semmens’ interest to keep something like this quiet though – Saints fans may remember that not much was known about happenings when Gao Jisheng originally took his 80% stake.

Takeover talk aside though, it is good to see that Saints were amongst a strong core of clubs fighting against the grab of power from Liverpool and United.

As a club that always tries to operate in the right way with their own fans, staff and stakeholders in mind, they will have been keen to maintain a strong bond to other clubs in the Premier League.

The respect between clubs below the top-six looks to be strong and will remain so if these rumours of a European Super League ever come to fruition.

Next. Saints close to confirming another big contract extension. dark

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