Sheikh Jassim Urged To Buy Italian Club After Dropping Out Of The Race To Buy Manchester United
Written By Onyeka Daniel
The soap opera involving the selling of English Premier League side, Manchester United seems to be coming to an end, almost one year after it was announced that the owners were willing to listen to offers for the club, last year November.
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The negotiations for a takeover of the Red Devils has been dragging on for months, as many are starting to believe the Glazer family do not really intend to sell at all. Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim had bid a reported £5bn.
But when talks broke down, he withdrew from the process, leaving only Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the running to buy a minority share. Multiple sources report Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has withdrawn his bid and Finnish businessman Thomas Ziliacus has urged him to ‘join forces and buy a top Italian club’ – specifically Inter. He had already made it known his wish to buy the Nerazzurri.
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In the early days of the process, Ziliacus had also been one of those investigating a bid for Manchester United, before withdrawing from the process, but he has in recent months been focused on approaching Serie A side Inter. He made an intriguing and very public statement on the matter this evening via X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Happy to see you have come to the same conclusion I came to a few months ago. Now let’s join forces and buy a top Italian club and make it the best in the world!” Ziliacus added a series of hashtags, including #SerieA and #Nerazzurri – confirming he was referring to Inter.
Current Inter owners Suning were only able to keep Inter going with the aid of a high-interest loan from Oaktree Capital and that will become due in April 2024. It is increasingly likely they will have to sell at least some of the shares before then to raise funds.
Although the Zhang family seem eager to maintain a controlling stake. Currently, Investcorp, a consurtium from Bahrain is said to be leading the race to buy Inter and have already registered their interest with Suning.
Meanwhile…
Inter Milan and Juventus are both keen to sign Lille defender Tiago Djalo on a free transfer next summer, according to a report from Italy. Djalo is a player who had been on Inter’s radar as early as the January transfer window of last season.
That was when it became clear that Milan Skriniar would not be extending his contract. The Nerazzurri have continued their contacts with the 23-year-old’s representatives, whilst the Bianconeri could also be ready to make a move of their own next summer when his contract with Lille expires.
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Despite signing Benjamin Pavard from Bayern Munich to replace Skriniar, it does not mean that they have entirely lost interest in signing Djalo. Inter had been in contact with Djalo’s representatives about a possible transfer last summer. The 23-year-old was ready to say yes to a move to the Nerazzurri. However, a major factor has been a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an injury for Djalo.
The Portuguese picked up a serious knee injury towards the end of last season. That ruled him out until the end of last campaign. It also has meant that he has been out of action for the start of this one. Djalo is yet to return from his injury. However, the Lille defender could return soon enough. And then, next summer he could be an enticing free transfer. Juventus are also considering a swoop to sign Djalo on a free transfer when his contract with Lille runs out.
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