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☆ ‘Peasants vs. Marie Antoinette’: What the Premier League does with its billions of dollars is riling 72 other soccer clubs
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-18 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

DisparityThanks to its multi-billion-dollar TV deals, the Premier League is often celebrated as a UK Inc. success story. Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC/Getty ImagesBy targeting talents from lower-league academies, Premier League clubs don’t have to pay inflated transfer fees. The mooted introduction of an independent regulator comes against the backdrop of some Premier League clubs falling foul of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Earlier this month, Everton were handed a further two-point deduction for allegedly breaching Premier League financial rules. Relegated from the Premier League in 2023, Leicester denies any wrongdoing and opened legal proceedings against the Premier League and the EFL, but could face a points deduction if found guilty.

Persons: Abu, –, Kieran Maguire, Marie Antoinette ”, Marie Antoinette, – James McConnell –, Gabriele Biancheri, James McConnell, Bobby Clark, Andrew Powell, Caroline Dinenage, Maguire, Richard Masters, ” Maguire, ”, “, ” Masters, Phil Noble, we’ve, It’s, Mike Egerton, they’ve Organizations: CNN —, Manchester City, League, Reading FC –, Reading, English Football League, CNN, British, Premier League, Inc, Sunderland, Manchester United, Cardiff City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Liverpool FC, Getty, Premier League clubs, Culture , Media, Sport Committee, Premier League clubs “, Premier League’s, ” CNN, The Times, European Super League, National League, Everton, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City –, Reuters, Nottingham, “ Premier League, Leicester City, Leicester Locations: Istanbul, Manchester, Abu Dhabi, France, Europe, England’s, Britain's

☆ Newcastle get green light to loan players from Saudi Pro League - media
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 21 (Reuters) - Newcastle United will be allowed to loan players from sides controlled by their Saudi owners in the January transfer window after a vote on a temporary ban on related-party loans did not get enough support from Premier League clubs, British media reported on Tuesday. Thirteen Premier League clubs voted in favour of the temporary ban on loan moves between teams under the same ownership at a shareholders' meeting on Tuesday, the BBC reported, falling one vote short of the number needed for it to be introduced. The vote means that Newcastle, who in October 2021 were acquired by a group led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), will be permitted to loan players from other clubs also owned by the fund. PIF owns majority stakes in the Pro League's "big four" clubs -- Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal -- who signed players including Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Ruben Neves and Neymar in the last transfer window. Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in Gdansk Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: PIF, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Ruben Neves, Neymar, Anita Kobylinska, Toby Davis Organizations: Newcastle United, Premier League, BBC, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Thomson Locations: Newcastle, Ittihad, Al, Ahli, Hilal, Gdansk

☆ SPL director Emenalo hoping for quiet January window
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 17 (Reuters) - Saudi Pro League (SPL) clubs should only sign players of the "highest level" in the January transfer window after aggressively splashing out in the summer, the league's director of football, Michael Emenalo, said. The outlay of $957 million in the Saudi summer window, which closed on Sept. 7, saw several high-profile players including Neymar, Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante move to the league. The league's spending exceeded that of four of Europe's "big five" leagues with only Britain's Premier League clubs splurging more on transfers than those in the Middle Eastern country. "I think we accomplished what we wanted to accomplish, which was to get our foot into the market and compete aggressively," Emenalo said in an interview on the SPL website. "But, also, we wanted to do that while giving every single club in the league an opportunity to improve.

Persons: Michael Emenalo, Karim Benzema, Emenalo, it's, Aadi Nair, Robert Birsel Organizations: Saudi Pro League, Neymar, Britain's Premier League, SPL, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Bengaluru

☆ Premier League clubs to wear black armbands amid Israel-Hamas conflict
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 20 (Reuters) - Premier League players, managers and match officials will wear black armbands for the next round of matches as a mark of respect for those affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict, the English top-flight league said on Friday. "We hope for peace, and our heartfelt sympathies are with the victims, their families and the communities impacted," the league said. The armbands will be worn in matches played from Saturday to Monday, with the league also announcing that they will make a donation to the British Red Cross. Israel has been carrying out a bombing campaign in Gaza and has vowed to wipe out the Hamas Islamist group that rules it, after Hamas gunmen burst through the barrier fence surrounding the enclave on Oct. 7 and rampaged through Israeli towns and kibbutzes, killing 1,400 people, mainly civilians. Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk; Editing by Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Tommy Lund, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Premier League, Cross, Islamist, Thomson Locations: Israel, British, Gaza, Gdansk

☆ For U.S. investors seeking an edge in European soccer, the cheaper the better
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-08 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

This comes as deep-pocketed investors — from top U.S. private equity and venture capital firms to global rivals like sovereign wealth funds — have intensified competition. Meanwhile, more than one-third of the clubs in the so-called "Big Five" leagues in Europe are backed by U.S. investors, including private equity and venture capital firms. "These recent transactions have set a precedent in terms of club valuation but also prompted many owners to consider selling to [private equity]," according to an analyst report from PitchBook. Some firms, like Sixth Street Partners, have found different outlets into taking a stake in European soccer, particularly in Spain's LaLiga. The shift is happening as soccer clubs have been looking for fresh capital following the distress stemming from the earlier days of the Covid pandemic.

Persons: Liverpool's Curtis Jones, Charles Baker, PitchBook, Todd Boehly, English Premier League's, Elliott Management's, Lionel Messi Organizations: Premier League, King Power, U.S, Manchester United, Chelsea FC, Newcastle, Clearlake Capital, English Premier, English Premier League's Chelsea, Redbird Capital Partners, Italy's AC Milan, Sixth Street Partners, FC Barcelona, Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool FC, Dynasty Equity, English Premier League, Sheffield United Locations: Leicester, European, U.S, Europe, PitchBook, LaLiga, Spanish, Real Madrid's

☆ Man Utd start League Cup defence with 3-0 win, Wolves and Luton lose
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

While Erik Ten Hag's side set aside a difficult start to the season and cruised comfortably through at Old Trafford, Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers and Luton Town were knocked out by lower-division opponents. Wolves went 2-0 up and then lost 3-2 at Championship (second tier) high-flyers Ipswich Town while Premier League newcomers Luton were beaten 1-0 at League One (third tier) side Exeter City. Vincent Kompany's Burnley, without a win in the Premier League so far this season, overran League Two (fourth tier) opponents Salford City 4-0 with a second-string team. The match was the night's only fixture pitting two top flight clubs against each other and they will meet again in the league at Old Trafford on Saturday. The draw for the fourth round will be after Wednesday's matches, with 12 Premier League clubs in action and last year's losing finalists Newcastle United hosting Premier League champions Manchester City.

Persons: Alejandro Garnacho, Crystal Palace's Nathaniel Clyne, Jason Cairnduff, Casemiro, Erik Ten, Demetri Mitchell, Vincent Kompany's Burnley, Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone, Diogo Dalot, Mason, Anthony Martial, Johnstone, Sofyan Amrabat, Jack Taylor, Freddie Ladapo, Omari Hutchinson, Hwang Hee, Chan, Toti Gomes, Alan Baldwin, Toby Davis, Pritha Organizations: Soccer, Manchester United, Companies Manchester United, Crystal, Old Trafford Wolves, Exeter, Luton, Burnley, Salford, League Cup, Crystal Palace, Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers, Luton Town, Wolves, Ipswich Town, Premier League, League, Exeter City, Salford City, United, Old, Morocco, Fiorentina, Sky Sports, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Bradford City, Mansfield Town, League One Peterborough, Sutton United, Port, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Thomson Locations: Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain, Old, Ipswich, Salford MANCHESTER, England, Exeter, Saturday, Port Vale, London

☆ Premier League clubs spend record 2.36 billion pounds in transfer window
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The transfer window, which was open from June 14 to Sept. 1, exceeded last year's record 1.92 billion pounds, with the top-flight clubs spending 255 million pounds on deadline day alone, it said. Premier League clubs were responsible for 48% of the spending across Europe's top five leagues including Spain's LaLiga, Italy's Serie A, Germany's Bundesliga and France's Ligue 1. "Nearly three-quarters of Premier League clubs (14) spent more this summer than the last, reflecting the increased intensity of competition. Champions Manchester City signed midfielder Matheus Nunes for 53 million pounds this week, having brought Jeremy Doku for 55 million pounds, defender Josko Gvardiol for 77 million and midfielder Mateo Kovacic for 25 million earlier. According to the report, almost half of the transfer fees received by Premier League clubs from overseas came from the Saudi Pro League club (SPL), which has the fourth-highest transfer spend of any league globally.

Persons: Chris Radburn, Spain's LaLiga, Tim, Todd Boehly, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Matheus Nunes, Jeremy Doku, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, Rasmus Hojlund, Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Calum Ross, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Martyn Herman, Gerry Doyle, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Soccer Football, Premier League - Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham United, American Express, Premier League, Deloitte, Serie, Bundesliga, Ligue, Deloitte's Sports Business, Chelsea, Clearlake Capital, Champions Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Saudi Pro League, Thomson Locations: Brighton, Britain, London, Bengaluru

☆ Man Utd sign defender Reguilon on loan from Spurs
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Sept 1 (Reuters) - Manchester United have signed left back Sergio Reguilon on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur, both Premier League clubs announced on Friday. The 26-year-old Reguilon will arrive as a replacement for Luke Shaw, who will be sidelined for several weeks after sustaining a muscle injury last month. "I know that I can contribute to Manchester United this season, I am ready to fight for this group and show everyone my qualities." Having come up through Real Madrid's academy, Reguilon joined Spurs in 2020 after a season on loan at Sevilla where he won the Europa League. He made over 60 appearances for Spurs in his first two seasons in England, but spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Atletico Madrid.

Persons: Sergio Reguilon, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Reguilon, Aadi Nair, Toby Davis Organizations: Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Real Madrid's, Spurs, Sevilla, Europa League, Atletico Madrid ., Arsenal, Gunners, Thomson Locations: England, Atletico Madrid . United, Bengaluru

☆ Tottenham sign Wales winger Johnson from Forest
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Soccer Football - Carabao Cup Second Round - Nottingham Forest v Burnley - The City Ground, Nottingham, Britain - August 30, 2023 Nottingham Forest's Brennan Johnson in action Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers Acquire Licensing RightsSept 1 (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur have signed Nottingham Forest's versatile Wales forward Brennan Johnson, the two Premier League clubs announced on Friday. The 22-year-old, who can play on the wing or as a striker, has signed a contract until 2029. Johnson made 108 appearances for Forest, scoring 29 goals, and starred in their promotion to the Premier League in 2022. He has 20 caps and was part of Rob Page's Wales squad for last year's World Cup. ($1 = 0.7944 pounds)Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Nottingham Forest's Brennan Johnson, Andrew Boyers, Brennan Johnson, Johnson, Rob Page's, Angelica Medina, Ken Ferris Organizations: Soccer, Nottingham Forest, Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest's, Wales, Premier League, Forest Academy, Forest, Rob Page's Wales, Thomson Locations: Nottingham, Britain, Mexico City

☆ Palace sign goalkeeper Henderson from Man United
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The transfer fee has not been disclosed but British media reported that Palace would pay United 20 million pounds ($25.3 million), including add-ons. "Saying goodbye to United is an emotional moment for me," Henderson posted on social media. Henderson was loaned out to Sheffield United from 2018-2020 followed by a year at Nottingham Forest in the 2022–23 season. He made his only appearance for England in 2020, a 3–0 friendly win over Ireland after replacing Nick Pope at halftime. ($1 = 0.7893 pounds)Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in Gdansk, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Nottingham Forest's Dean Henderson, Molly Darlington, Dean Henderson, Henderson, Nick Pope, Anita Kobylinska, Ed Osmond Organizations: Soccer, Nottingham Forest, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest's, Manchester United, Premier League, England, United, Sheffield United, Ireland, Thomson Locations: Nottingham, Britain, Gdansk

☆ Burnley sign England youngster Ramsey from Villa on five-year deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Aug 22 (Reuters) - Burnley have signed midfielder Aaron Ramsey from Aston Villa, both Premier League clubs said on Tuesday, with the England under-20 international penning a five-year contract. No financial details have been disclosed but British media reported Burnley would pay Villa 14 million pounds ($17.82 million) for the 20-year-old. "I have been waiting to be a Burnley player for a while now and I'm really happy it's all officially done now. I can't wipe my smile off my face." Ramsey earned more than 30 caps with England youth teams, winning under-19 European Championship in 2022.

Persons: Aaron Ramsey, Ramsey, I'm, Anita Kobylinska, Toby Davis Organizations: Burnley, Aston Villa, Premier League, Villa, FA, Norwich City, Middlesbrough, England, Thomson Locations: England, Gdansk

☆ Why US sporting stars like Tom Brady, LeBron James, and JJ Watt are piling into English soccer
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-05 | by ( Joseph Wilkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Brady joins the likes of Jordan Spieth, JJ Watt, and LeBron James by buying into English football. Former NFL star Watt bought a minority stake in Burnley FC, in May. Now, legendary quarterback Brady has unveiled a minority stake in Birmingham City. The rise of across-the-pond partnerships raises a question: what is it about British clubs that has suddenly captured celebrities' imagination? The rewards for success in the English Premier League can be astronomical.

Persons: Tom Brady, Brady, Jordan Spieth, JJ Watt, LeBron James, Watt, Spieth, Michael B Jordan, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney's, Simon Chadwick, Reynolds, Ralph Lauren –, Christina Philippou, we've, Philippou, it's, Chadwick, That's, We've, they're, there's Organizations: Service, NFL, Burnley FC, Leeds United, Liverpool FC, Fenway Sports Group, AFC Bournemouth, Disney, Birmingham, Knighthead Capital Management, Wrexham, L'Oreal, English Premier League, Sky, BT, Amazon Prime, Premier League, Manchester City, Portsmouth University, Wrexham AFC, Premier League –, European Locations: Birmingham City, Wall, Silicon, British, Wrexham, Birmingham, United States

After six seasons in the Champions League, where Klopp's side reached the final three times and won the trophy in 2019, Liverpool now find themselves back in the Europa League. Premier League clubs sacked 14 managers last season but Klopp, currently the longest-serving coach at a single club in England's top flight, was never in danger of losing his job. Liverpool did not inject fresh blood into an ageing midfield while injuries in the forward line scuppered a title challenge. This year Saudi Arabian clubs have forced Liverpool's hand, with the cash-rich league tearing up the Anfield club's transition plans by luring away their two midfield stalwarts. Returning to the Champions League will be their first priority, which is why a top four finish -- or even winning the Europa League -- will be the bare minimum that is expected of Liverpool.

Persons: Klopp, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade, Chamberlain, It's, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Szoboszlai, Fabio Carvalho, Romeo Lavia, Thiago, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Trent Alexander, Arnold, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Rohith Nair, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Liverpool, Premier League's, Champions League, Europa League, Premier League, Anfield, Saudi Pro League, RB Leipzig, Thomson Locations: Liverpool, England's, Saudi, Saudi Arabia, Bengaluru

☆ Villa supporters criticise club's sponsorship deal with betting firm
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

June 23 (Reuters) - Aston Villa's new front-of-shirt sponsorship deal with an online betting firm is a "cynical attempt" at financial gain and ignores concerns about gambling sponsorship in sports, the Aston Villa Supporters' Trust (AVST) said on Thursday. Villa have agreed to a partnership with Asia-based online betting firm BK8 until the end of the 2025-26 campaign, when Premier League clubs will withdraw gambling sponsorships from the front of their matchday shirts. Norwich City cancelled a sponsorship deal with BK8 in 2021 after three days following a backlash from supporters over its sexualised marketing material involving young women. loading"At the time, we were given assurances of the club's due diligence process and advised that the misogynistic practices were that of a BK8 affiliate," AVST said. Reuters has contacted Aston Villa and BK8 for comment.

Persons: Aston, Villa, AVST, BK8, Hritika Sharma, Jan Harvey Organizations: Aston Villa Supporters, Trust, Premier League, Norwich City, BK8, Reuters, Aston Villa, Thomson Locations: Asia, Birmingham, Hyderabad

☆ Real Madrid confirm Bellingham signing from Dortmund
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-14 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MADRID, June 14 (Reuters) - Real Madrid officially confirmed the signing of England midfielder Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday in a deal worth 103 million euros ($111.29 million) plus add-ons, the Spanish giants said. Bellingham, who will sit out England's upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers due to injury, will be unveiled as a Real Madrid player on Thursday at noon local time after signing a six-year contract. Dortmund said they had reached an agreement with Real last week in a deal that includes add-ons that could increase the total amount by up to 30%. Bellingham is the third player signed by Real Madrid for a fee of at least 100 million euros after Gareth Bale (2013) and Eden Hazard (2019). At Real Madrid, he will join a side rich in young midfield talent such as Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Persons: Jude Bellingham, Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard, Real, Gareth Southgate, Juergen Klopp, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Karim Benzema, Hazard, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, Fernando Kallas, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Dortmund, Real, Bundesliga, English, Birmingham City, France, Premier League, Liverpool, Thomson Locations: MADRID, Bellingham, Madrid, Dortmund, Germany, England's, Qatar, England, Real

☆ City's Haaland named Premier League Player of the Season
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

May 27 (Reuters) - Erling Haaland was named the Premier League's Player of the Season on Saturday, after a record-breaking debut campaign in which he has delivered goals by the sackful as Manchester City claimed their third straight league title. The 22-year-old was also voted the league's best young player, becoming the first person to win both awards in the same season. The Norwegian was voted Player of the Season by the public, the captains of the 20 Premier League clubs and a panel of soccer experts. "I am honoured to have become the first player to win both awards in the same season," Haaland said. Haaland will have the chance to add to his Premier League tally on Sunday when City visit Brentford for their final game of the season.

☆ Chelsea: How American billionaire owner blew over $600 million but ended up with nothing this season
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —“We’re all in – 100%,” US billionaire businessman Todd Boehly told Chelsea fans upon his arrival at the club in May 2022. Chelsea crashed out of the Champions League after losing to Real Madrid 4-0 on aggregate. Following the loss against Real Madrid, Chelsea captain Thiago Silva spoke candidly to reporters on the issues that come with this kind of spending. Besides Kai Havertz and Marc Cucurella, no Chelsea outfield player has started more than 20 games in the Premier League this season. The Blues are on course to have their lowest scoring season in Premier League history with their current total of 30 goals.

☆ United States to host Premier League pre-season tournament
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

April 11 (Reuters) - The United States will host a pre-season tournament featuring six Premier League clubs from July 22-30, the English top-flight league said on Tuesday. The six clubs involved in the tournament are Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Fulham and Newcastle United. "Our clubs have incredible supporters in the U.S., who passionately follow their teams throughout the season," Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said. The biennial 'Summer Series' tournament was launched in 2003, with the previous nine editions having taken place in China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Government gives green light to independent regulator for English game
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Once made law, the Government says the independent regulator would have statutory powers to license and sanction clubs, oversee the financial sustainability of the game and prevent unscrupulous owners buying clubs. It would also have the power to prevent English clubs joining breakaway competitions such as the European Super League which six Premier League clubs signalled their intent to join in 2021 before abandoning plans after a fans' backlash. Although the Premier League, launched in 1992, has been an unprecedented financial success, lower down the English pyramid the situation has been grim. Reacting to the publication of the white paper, Derby owner David Clowes said: "Derby County stared extinction in the face for far too long. The Government says the independent regulator would have targeted powers as a "last resort" to facilitate agreement on the redistribution of funds.

☆ Body of Ghana soccer player Atsu arrives home in Accra
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/4] The body of late Ghanaian soccer player, Christian Atsu Twasam, 31, who died in the earthquake in Turkey, arrives at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana. REUTERS/Francis KokorokoACCRA, Feb 20 (Reuters) - The body of Ghana winger Christian Atsu was flown home to Accra on Sunday evening, the day after he was found dead under a collapsed building in southern Turkey. Atsu had been missing since the Feb. 6 earthquake following the collapse of an apartment building in Hatay. "We hoped against hope, every day that passed, we prayed and prayed. "We would like to express our deepest condolences to his wife and children, the family, loved ones and the football community," the Ghana Football Association said on Saturday.

Manchester United, INEOS, Tesla and Musk did not reply to requests for comment. "For potential buyers, football clubs like Manchester United are considered trophy assets driven by the perception of exclusivity. The size of that bid has fuelled speculation Manchester United will attract significantly more. Manchester United is the fourth richest soccer club in the world, according to analysis by Deloitte. A small portion of Manchester United shares is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

☆ Billionaire Najafi set to launch $3.75bn takeover bid for Spurs - source
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Feb 15 (Reuters) - Iranian-American billionaire Jahm Najafi, chair of MSP Sports Capital, is set to launch a $3.75 billion takeover bid for Premier League soccer club Tottenham Hotspur, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday. Najafi is also a minority shareholder in the National Basketball Association team Phoenix Suns. Tottenham, currently managed by Antonio Conte, have 39 points after 23 games in the league this season and sit two points outside the top four. Other Premier League clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool are also seeking investment, with Qatari investors preparing to make a bid to buy United while Jim Ratcliffe's company INEOS formally entered the bidding process last month. Reporting by Emma-Victoria Farr and Manasi Pathak; Editing by Alison Williams and Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ We've already been condemned, says Man City's Guardiola over charges
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"It's the same as what happened after UEFA (charges). And I think the Premier League, supported by 19 teams, are going to take good lawyers too to defend their position. "But if the same situation with UEFA happens and we are innocent, what happens to restore or pay back our damage?" Guardiola also warned that other clubs should look at their own affairs before condemning Manchester City. The charges against City, the world's highest revenue-generating club last season according to Deloitte, will be heard by an independent commission.

☆ Premier League clubs spend $1 bln for first time in January transfer window
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Feb 1 (Reuters) - Premier League soccer clubs spent a record 815 million pounds ($1.00 billion) in the January transfer window, an analysis from Deloitte's Sports Business Group said on Wednesday. The London club, lying 10th in the league, paid a British record 106.8 million pounds for Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Benfica on Tuesday's transfer deadline day. Over the whole of the 2022-23 season they have spent 2.8 billion pounds on player transfers, beating the previous record of 1.9 billion pounds set in 2017-18. Relegation-threatened Bournemouth were the second largest spenders within the Premier League. "Premier League clubs have outspent those within the rest of Europe's 'big five' leagues by almost four to one in this transfer window...," said Tim Bridge, lead partner in Deloitte's Sports Business Group.

☆ Chelsea shrugs off cost-of-living crisis
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, Feb 1 (Reuters Breakingviews) - The cost-of-living crisis has yet to reach soccer players. Chelsea Football Club, owned by a consortium led by American businessman Todd Boehly, spent a record 330 million euros in the January player transfer window, according to Transfermarkt. It brings total spending on footballers since the Los Angeles Dodgers owner acquired the club last May to over 600 million euros. It also brings total spending by Premier League clubs this season to a record 2.8 billion pounds, beating the 1.86 billion pounds spent in the 2017/18 season. The Boehly-led consortium bought Chelsea from Roman Abramovich for 2.5 billion pounds, equivalent to a toppy 5.7 times trailing sales.

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