Man Utd get ‘new investor’ confirmation from Saudi Arabia

Manchester United have received important news from Saudi Arabia that there could soon be a new owner for the Old Trafford club.

Turki Al-Sheikh, a Saudi Arabian government official and a highly influential figure in the nation’s Vision 2030 plan, has confirmed that the Red Devils are in the “advanced stage of completing a deal”.

While the logical conclusion is that investment would come from Saudi Arabia, that has not been confirmed. Equally, the nature of the alleged buyout is also unclear at this point in time.

Al-Sheikh tweeted: “The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor … I hope he’s better than the previous owners.”

What does this mean for Man Utd?

Until the nature of the takeover is made clearer, it’s impossible to say what implications this news may have.

Fans hoping for a sudden rush of spending for the Man Utd squad, though, are likely to be left disappointed. Newcastle United, who are owned by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), have had their hands tied by the Premier League’s spending rules.

Are the Glazers selling their stake?

Al-Sheikh’s message is cryptic, but they would be the logical party to be bought out. Certainly, it would be surprising if Ineos were to back out of Man Utd just 18 months after buying a 28.9% stake in the club.

The Glazers still own around 48.9% of the Red Devils and have been slowly selling down their ownership in recent times.

This would point to the Americans potentially being open to a more significant sale of the club.

Who is Turki Al-Sheikh?

Al-Sheikh is the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), which is vital for boosting the nation’s soft power.

He has been instrumental in using sport to help in this drive. The 44-year-old has brought major boxing fights to Saudi and has brokered a deal with UFC to bring several events to the nation. He has also worked with WWE to bring more premium events to the Middle East, with a deal for the Royal Rumble in 2026.

Al-Sheikh carries more influence in the sports world than a simple private investor because he is in a position to advise government policy and shape where Saudi investment is directed.

He is extremely well-connected in the upper echelons of sports business and, therefore, is someone who knows what he is talking about.

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