Skip to main content

Qatari royal to invest $1bn more in Manchester United bid: report

Despite the sweetened offer from the Qatari banker, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe is understood to be the favorite to buy the English soccer club, according to reports.
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United controls the ball during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on April 30, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani hopes to secure the takeover of Manchester United by promising to invest an extra £800 million ($1 billion) in the British soccer club on top of his offer of around £5bn, according to reports.

The additional £800 million will be spent on improving the English Premier League club’s Old Trafford stadium and the team’s training group, London-based business newspaper City A.M. reported on Monday.

The third and final round bid deadline for the 20-time English Premier League champions passed on April 28. The US advisory firm the Raine Group is helping lead the sale of the soccer club.

The news comes amid reports on Sunday saying that Thani’s rival bidder, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, is now favorite to win the deal, having reportedly made a bid that values the club higher than his rival. 

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.