Saudi Arabia’s football revolution is the driving force behind doubts over Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani’s takeover of Manchester United, a leading Premier League figure has said. Members of the Qatari royal family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe were frustrated by the Glazers’ decision to delay the sale, which may have been partly due to increased Saudi investment.
Saudi Arabia has made waves in the football world in recent months, spending heavily to bring in a host of high-profile players.
This summer, Neymar, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Kalidou Koulibaly are all star players who have landed in the Saudi Professional League.
But Cristiano Ronaldo arguably started the trend with his blockbuster move to Al Nassr in January, just a month after his explosive exit from Manchester United.
Before the club terminated his contract, Ronaldo blasted the Glazer family, among other topics, in an interview with Piers Morgan.
However, he may now have played a role in keeping the American family in control by serving as the face of the Saudi football revolution.
Jon Smith, one of the first agents in football history who played a crucial role in the formation of the Premier League, believes he played a major role in Manchester United’s protracted takeover process.
“I think all eyes are on the Bay Area to see what happens over the next 12 months because there will probably be a new, evolving Premier League in some form in the Bay Area,” Smith told Caught Offside.
“If that happens then United’s value will rise dramatically so we may be in negotiated retention mode at the moment, which is why Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s bid for a smaller ownership and keeping the Glazers is likely to be better than the Qataris’ bid What is said here is more acceptable £5 billion bye.
“I think the acquisition will be done in some form. It’s just a matter of time.
“January 2024? I would have said that four or five months ago, but I think what’s happening in Saudi Arabia is affecting a lot of people’s mentality about the top of the game and the amount of value, so it will continue to be an ongoing process.” negotiation. “
The Glazer family reportedly want to buy Manchester United in a £6 billion deal and end their 18-year dominance.
However, other suggestions are that they are prepared to take the club off the market and return in a few years, when Saudi involvement could boost its value.
However, Sheikh Jassim, whose latest offer is worth £5bn, remains firmly in the race and may ultimately decide to pay the fees required to seal a deal.