Manchester United legend David Beckham is open to talks about joining a bid to buy the club, according to new reports. Beckham could expand his empire of football owners by producing a fantasy setting at Old Trafford that a Hollywood screenwriter would be proud of.
According to the financial times, Beckham is ready to discuss United with potential bidders, who could look to recruit the soccer icon to increase their chances of buying the club from the Glazer family. The 47-year-old Red Devils’ history and relationship with fans could be two big factors in any deal, although he can’t afford to launch an acquisition alone.
A banker close to the situation says the Glazers could sell United for nearly £7bn, but any bidding war between the suitors would likely push up the final fee for one of the world’s biggest sports teams even higher. But current Tampa-based owners considering ‘all strategic alternatives’ means a complete sale is not guaranteed.
Whether any interested party could meet the financial requirements for a purchase remains to be seen, especially as others close to the process suggest that even agreeing to a £4bn price would be overpaying. United were unprofitable last year while rivals Manchester City posted record numbers.
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Other potential buyers include Ineos owner and United fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe, private equity duo Josh Harris and David Blitzer, and basketball moguls Stephen Pagliuca and Larry Tanenbaum. Both sides were fighting to buy Chelsea in 2021 before Todd Boehly’s consortium successfully took over Roman Abramovich’s Blues.
Boehly bought Chelsea for just over £2bn, which is likely to be used as a gauge for both United and Liverpool in the coming months, with Fenway Sports Group also looking to cash in on the Anfield giants. Given the money involved with a potential deal for United, American investors and Middle Eastern states have been touted as potential early contenders.
READ MORE: Man Utd takeover: Sir Jim Ratcliffe to ‘offer’ record fee for club
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