Sheikh Jassim closes in on Man Utd takeover with £6bn deal now 'close'

06 August 2023 , 08:53

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Sheikh Jassim closes in on Man Utd takeover with £6bn deal now 'close'

Sheikh Jassim is closing in on a deal to become the owner of Manchester United after negotiations finally took a step forward.

It was November 22 when the controversial Glazer family first announced their intention to sell the club, a move lauded by the majority of fans who have long vilified the Americans. However, a drawn out saga has followed, leading to accusations that those in charge are deliberately stalling proceedings.

Sheikh Jassim and Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe emerged as the frontrunners, with the British businessman's bid including a caveat that keeps Avram and Joel Glazer on as stakeholders. However, his overall offer falls short of the £6billion asking price that his rival has now been prepared to meet.

The uncertainty has reportedly angered manager Erik ten Hag, who has had to conduct his summer transfer business without the financial power a takeover deal was supposed to ensure. Indeed, the club pulled out of the race to sign top target Harry Kane after baulking at his £100million asking price.

However, The Sun has reported that recent discussions have been progressive, with Sheikh Jassim on the brink of taking over. The Qatari is now said to be doing 'due diligence' before completing the purchase, although it could be as late as November when all the formalities are done and dusted.

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The Glazer family took charge at United in 2005 and their first decade at the helm was signified by a glut of major trophies, including a third European crown. But they have also racked up debts of more than £1 billion, and current FFP regulations have further curtailed Ten Hag's summer spending.

Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is closing in on Manchester United (AFP via Getty Images)

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The manager has still made three major additions though, with Mason Mount signing from Chelsea for £60m. He was followed through the door by Inter Milan keeper Andre Onana, who joined for £47m.

And ahead of the 3-1 win over Lens on Saturday, Rasmus Hojlund was unveiled in front of the Old Trafford crowd, having completed his £72 million move from Atalanta. But with United also chasing Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, player sales will now be necessary to raise further funds.

Both Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay are being pursued by West Ham, with the Hammers already having a £20m bid for Maguire rejected. Donny van de Beek is also expected to be sold.

Fraser Watson