According to Bloomberg, those close to Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani’s camp are increasingly confident that his bid will be successful in the race to acquire Manchester United.
Privately, individuals within Sheikh Jassim’s circle have expressed their optimism, although an official announcement from the Glazer family is still pending.
However, there is a possibility that the American owners may decide to retain control of the club while seeking external investment.
The billionaire business family have been in charge of the club since 2005 and oversaw the club’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
The two main bidders, Sheikh Jassim and Jim Ratcliffe, have pursued different approaches, while other parties have considered the idea of minority investment.
Must Read: US financial outlet declares Sheikh Jassim the winner of the United takeover race
Sheikh Jassim initially indicated a desire for a complete takeover, whereas Ratcliffe, also the chairman of French club OGC Nice, proposed a majority investment.
Discussions initially suggested the possibility of reaching a deal before the end of the 2022-23 season, but all parties involved failed to achieve that timeframe.
United’s first match is scheduled for August 14 just a few weeks remaining until the start of the upcoming season.
After the completion of a takeover, several questions remain regarding the future plans for United. One possibility is that Sheikh Jassim may choose to delist the club from the New York Stock Exchange.
Also Read: Sir Jim Ratcliffe owned French club Nice affected by United’s takeover saga
Additionally, there have been discussions about potential changes to Old Trafford Stadium. In mid-June, reports surfaced suggesting that exclusive negotiations had commenced between the Glazer family and Sheikh Jassim’s party after a “take it or leave it” offer was made.
However, it was later revealed that they were still awaiting a clear response from the current owners. Nevertheless, it seems that a decision regarding the club’s future is now closer than ever before in the ongoing process.
