EPL

Ratcliffe at risk of being FORCED to sell Utd investment in just 18 months

Published

11 months ago

January 18, 2024

Sir Jim Ratcliffe may face the possibility of selling his 25% stake in Manchester United within 18 months, according to recent developments.

The British billionaire’s investment in the club was made public on Christmas Eve, following a deadline set by the 71-year-old. Ratcliffe has reportedly paid the Glazers £1.03 billion for his stake in the club.

Ratcliffe, who was seen watching United’s match against Tottenham alongside Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, has officially submitted his offer for a share of the Red Devils. The offer is expected to be finalized by mid-February and was officially presented on the New York Stock Exchange.

However, a tender document has revealed certain rules regarding the future sale of the club. According to a filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Glazer family is not permitted to solicit or encourage any new offers for the first year after the tender offer is completed on February 13, unless they have written consent from Ratcliffe’s Trawler Ltd company.

Once this initial one-year period has passed, the Glazers would have the freedom to sell Manchester United outright. In such a scenario, Ratcliffe’s Trawlers Ltd company would be required to sell all their shares to any potential new buyer.

The tender document outlines the “drag-along right” for the Glazers, stating:

“For so long as the Glazer parties are the majority holder, following the date that is 18 months after the closing date and in connection with any sale of the entire company, the Company Board may require the Trawlers party to sell all of their company ordinary shares and take such other actions as are reasonably necessary to effect the full sale.”

It does also ensure that Ratcliffe will be guaranteed the equal amount “as the highest amount paid to any other shareholder of the same class of shares”.

The document says: “If the sale occurs within three years of the closing of the offer, the Trawlers parties must receive at least $33 per share, which is the same price as the offer price.”

In the meantime, Ratcliffe has penned a letter to the Manchester United Supporters Trust, expressing his commitment to doing everything within his power to restore the club to its former glory.

His statement said: “I wanted to write to you at this time given the critical role of the fans to the future of Manchester United as we recognise our responsibility as custodians of the club on your behalf.

“I believe we can bring sporting success on the pitch to complement the undoubted commercial success the club has enjoyed.

“It will require time and patience alongside rigour and the highest level of professional management.

“You are ambitious for Man Utd and so are we. There are no guarantees in sport, and change can inevitably take time but we are in it for the long-term and together we want to help take Man Utd back to where it belongs, at the very top of English European and world football. I take that responsibility very seriously.

“Please note that, as with any deal, it is subject to the usual regulatory sign-off process and therefore we do not expect to speak publicly about club matters until after the deal has completed.”

BUNDESLIGA

Alphonso Davies’ Agent Sets Up Talks With Real Madrid And Man Utd After Bayern Fallout

Published

2 weeks ago

December 13, 2024

Williams

Alphonso Davies' Agent Sets Up Talks With Real Madrid And Man Utd After Bayern Fallout

Real Madrid’s pursuit of Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies has been reinvigorated after a series of developments that suggest the Canadian defender’s future remains undecided. While Bayern had recently shown confidence in retaining Davies, Real Madrid has been given fresh hope of securing his signature.

Davies is unlikely to commit to any decision before January, allowing Real Madrid time to prepare an official contract offer.

According to Christian Falk via The Daily Briefing, Davies’ agent, Nedal Huoseh, was supposed to meet with Bayern officials in Munich.

However, the meeting was shifted to a virtual call, and Bayern’s Director of Football, Max Eberl, did not attend, reportedly frustrating Huoseh. This isn’t the first instance of strained relations between Bayern and Davies’ representative.

The next set of negotiations is now expected to happen in January. Although Bayern remains hopeful that Davies will sign a contract extension, Huoseh has scheduled meetings with both Manchester United and Real Madrid to review their offers.

Real Madrid’s current proposal is similar to Bayern’s, which could give Manchester United an edge if they table a significantly better offer. Despite Bayern’s push for a swift resolution, it appears the situation will extend into the new year.

EPL

OFFICIAL: Mohamed Salah Is The EPL Player Of The Month For November

Published

2 weeks ago

December 13, 2024

Williams

Mo Salah has been named the Premier League Player of the Month for November, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top performers.

The Liverpool star outshone rivals Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Ryan Gravenberch, Martin Ødegaard, João Pedro, Bukayo Saka, and Yoane Wissa to clinch the award.

In November, Salah played a crucial role in Liverpool’s success, contributing to five of the team’s seven goals through either scoring or assisting.

His contributions helped the Reds secure victories in all three matches, keeping them at the top of the Premier League table.

This marks the sixth time in his career that Salah has claimed the Player of the Month honor.

He now stands alongside football icons Steven Gerrard and Cristiano Ronaldo in the all-time rankings. Salah is just one award away from matching the joint record of seven, currently held by Harry Kane and Sergio Agüero.

EPL

William Saliba Delivers Huge Arsenal Boost With Clear Message On His Future

Published

3 weeks ago

December 8, 2024

Williams

William Saliba has significantly boosted Arsenal by committing his future to the club. The French defender has been pivotal to Mikel Arteta’s squad since cementing his place in the starting lineup during the 2022-23 season.

At just 23 years old, Saliba has already surpassed 100 appearances for the Gunners and has featured in 13 Premier League matches this season as Arsenal chase the title.

His standout performances have reportedly attracted interest from Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants identifying him as a key transfer target.

Despite the speculation, Saliba, who is under contract until 2027, made it clear that he feels “at home” at Arsenal and has no intention of leaving.

When asked about his future, he told The Mirror: “Yeah, of course, I feel at home. I signed for the club five years ago, but this is only my third season, and I’m enjoying everything — the players, the staff, and the fans. I feel at home, so of course, why not?”

Saliba’s consistent form has earned him a spot in the PFA Team of the Year for the past two seasons.

His defensive contributions have been crucial to Arsenal’s success, helping the team maintain the second-best defensive record in the league with just 14 goals conceded in 14 games. Only league leaders Liverpool have a better record, with 11 goals conceded.

Even though Arsenal trail Liverpool by seven points, Saliba remains confident that the gap can be closed. “Everything is possible,” he said. “The season is very long, and we’ve experienced that in the past two years. We just have to focus on ourselves. It’s still only December, so a lot of things can happen.”

Saliba was instrumental in Arsenal’s recent 2-0 win over Manchester United, scoring a crucial second goal that helped narrow the gap to Liverpool.

The Gunners now aim to build on that momentum when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, seeking to avenge last season’s defeat at the same venue.