Saudi Official Points to UAE Investor as Report Reveals Glazers’ £5bn “Whopping” Demand and Ratcliffe Clause
A potential blockbuster takeover of Manchester United is reportedly in its “advanced stages,” according to a high-profile Saudi official, sparking a fresh wave of uncertainty and speculation around the club’s future.
The claim was made by Turki Al-Sheikh, a prominent Saudi government figure, who told his followers on social media platform X, “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.”
However, in a follow-up post that clarified his role, Al-Sheikh stated he is not the potential buyer, nor is the investor from Saudi Arabia. “I’m posting this as a fan who wishes the deal to happen,” he explained, pointing instead to a group believed to be based in the United Arab Emirates. Intriguingly, the report suggests several United legends have been approached about joining the investment consortium.
This new development casts a shadow over the current regime led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The INEOS chief purchased a 25% stake and took control of football operations earlier this year, but his tenure has been marked by a major cost-cutting program and public spats.
According to a talkSPORT report, the Glazer family has set a staggering valuation “in excess of £5 billion” for a full sale. More critically, the report reveals a “drag-on” clause in Ratcliffe’s deal that became active in August. This clause means that if the Glazers accept a new offer, Ratcliffe would be forced to either match the bid himself or sell his shares, potentially ending his ambitious plans for a new stadium and a Premier League title by 2028.
With club sources reportedly “in the dark” about the advanced talks, the situation leaves fans and the football world watching closely, wondering if the club is on the verge of its third seismic ownership shift in less than a year.
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