Turki Al-Sheikh’s Interest in Manchester United: What We Know About the Potential Takeover
Turki Al-Sheikh’s net worth is significantly lower than that of billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but recent developments have sparked speculation about his interest in Manchester United. The Saudi sports executive recently posted a cryptic message hinting at a potential takeover, raising eyebrows among football fans and analysts alike.
Currently, Manchester United is at a crossroads, as the Glazers’ ‘drag along’ rights have been triggered, allowing them to sell their entire stake in the club. This is a common business practice that prevents majority shareholders from being held hostage by minority stakeholders. While discussions about a sale had been sparse, a surprising social media update from Al-Sheikh on Wednesday evening suggested that new investors may soon take the reins at the club. He 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."
Known for his significant contributions to boxing—having organized high-profile matches like Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk and Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford—Al-Sheikh has made a name for himself in the sports world. He is also the mastermind behind the Riyadh Season, an initiative that promotes Saudi Arabia through a variety of entertainment, cultural, and sporting events. Moreover, his partnership with WWE has brought several major events to the kingdom.
In addition to his ventures in combat sports, Al-Sheikh entered the football arena by purchasing the Spanish club Almeria in 2019. As of last year, his net worth was estimated at around $2.8 billion (£2.08 billion), according to CEO Today. In contrast, Forbes places Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s net worth at an impressive $17.2 billion (£12.8 billion), while the Glazers collectively hold a net worth of approximately $10 billion (£7.46 billion).
Although Al-Sheikh has not explicitly stated that he is interested in purchasing Manchester United, it’s evident that his financial capabilities may not match those of the club’s current owners. His most viable path forward could involve joining a consortium of investors. However, there are currently no indications that he has a concrete interest in acquiring the club outright.
As the situation unfolds, fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see if Al-Sheikh’s hints might lead to new ownership at Manchester United.
