Could Sheikh Jassim to take over Liverpool if Man Utd bid fails? Sheikh Jassim remains one of the main contenders to take over Manchester United.
But could he bid for Liverpool if his bid to manage Old Trafford fails?
The Qatari businessman has been one of the most prominent figures in United’s takeover saga since the club’s board announced in November that they were exploring “strategic options”. Now, almost 10 months later, we are no closer to knowing who United’s next owners could be.
The battle appears to be largely between Sheikh Jassim, who wants full power through his Nine Two Foundation, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is seeking a majority stake, and a joint bid from Ineos. However, proposals for a minority interest are also on the table.
But Sky Sports reported on Sunday that both Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim believe the club are still in the market and have yet to receive any information to the contrary.
But if the Glazers decide to keep United, Sheikh Jassim could turn to the club’s arch-rivals. In November, Liverpool’s current owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) released a statement confirming that they welcome any outside investors to the club.
But in February, Reds principal owner John W Henry ruled out selling the club outright.
In response to an email from the Boston Sports Journal, the American said that Liverpool is in talks with potential investors, but added that the outcome of the talks “is not a sale”.
So it seems highly unlikely that Sheikh Jassim would bid Liverpool over Manchester United.
However, ESPN’s Mark Ogden suggested in an interview with The United Stand that the Qatari businessman could decide to make a bid for fellow Premier League rivals Tottenham, who are currently majority owned by the ENIC Group. Four things that will ‘definitely’ happen when Sheikh Jassim completes Man Utd takeover, including marquee signing
Sheikh Jassim’s latest bid to take over Manchester United outright is still on the table. Here are four things that “might” happen if he gets the club.
United’s takeover process has been long and drawn out, and the Glazer family announced back in November that they were exploring “strategic options” for the club.
If Sheikh Jassim ultimately wins, here are four things that “might” happen.
Man Utd were looking for a marquee signing
According to various reports, Sheikh Jassim wants to sign Kylian Mbappe, Kingsley Coman, Eduardo Camavinga or Neymar if he moves to Old Trafford. All in all, it seems likely that the Qatari businessman is trying to strike a marquee deal to stamp his credentials at the club.
However, all signings should be done in January – if the takeover can be completed by then.
Ratcliffe to buy another Premier League club?
While Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains the main contender to buy a majority stake in United – the club he supported growing up – he may turn his attention elsewhere if he fails to win.
He submitted a late bid from Chelsea last year but lost out to Todd Boehly’s consortium. He was also spotted at Tottenham in December and could make a bid for the London club if he wants to.
Old Trafford finally renovated
Therefore, the famous stadium would undergo a much-needed renovation if his bid is successful. According to the Manchester Evening News, United are currently considering a number of redevelopment options, including turning the stadium around to renovate the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand or demolishing the stand entirely.
Man Utd legends return
Earlier this month, United icon Roy Keane returned to work at the club for the first time since his ill-fated exit in 2005 to help launch the 2023/24 campaign. Advertising
But other United legends could follow suit if Sheikh Jassim takes over the club.
According to ESPN, the Qatari businessman is interested in transferring roles in Sir Alex Ferguson’s biggest teams through sources. Who he would offer the role to and whether they would want to work for the club are unclear.
David Ornstein offers Man Utd update, claims Sheikh Jassim ‘won the race’
David Ornstein has provided an update on the Manchester United takeover following a report that Sheikh Jassim’s bid “beat the competition”.
The takeover process has been ongoing since November 2022, with Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation and a joint bid between Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos as the main contenders to take over Old Trafford from the Glazer family. Sheikh Jassim wants a full takeover of United, while Ratcliffe and Ineos want a majority.
But progress has been slow, and several reports as early as last month suggest through sources that it has even been halted.
According to a report by The Sun’s Neil Custis on Tuesday, Sheikh Jassim won the competition and his team are now doing due diligence on the club.
Custis says the takeover announcement will be made in mid-October, a deal worth £6 billions.
Sheikh Jassim’s final offer also included planned investments in infrastructure and transmission. Advertising
Speaking on Sky Sports News, Ornstein appeared to play down claims that a deal had been done.
David Ornstein gives Man Utd takeover update
Ornstein, writing for The Athletic, explained: “We have seen some false dawns in this protracted process which has returned before the transfer window.
“We saw one moment, the Qataris were ahead, then the next moment Ineos. Then it seemed like the whole process stopped.
There was a consensus that it will get some solution after the transfer window, because it affected them in the transfer market. It had such an effect on the conversation at the club.
“The great unanswered question
