Manchester United owners face US-Saudi in the race to acquire a major Saudi club

Al-Ittihad have become the subject of high profile takeover interest, with an investment consortium led by the ownership of Manchester United alongside a Saudi partner entering the race to acquire the Saudi Pro League powerhouse according to television programme Nadina.

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Competing consortia and due diligence visits

The privatization and ownership transfer of the Jeddah based outfit has advanced into a decisive phase. Prospective investors have already conducted preliminary on-site visits to Al-Ittihad's facilities to inspect the club’s sporting and financial infrastructure as part of an extensive due diligence process.

The takeover race features two prominent rival alliances:

• The Premier League Linked Consortium: A high profile alliance spearheaded by the ownership group behind Manchester United in partnership with a prominent Saudi investor
  
• The Saudi-American Consortium: A competing investment group uniting a Saudi investment fund, a US-based sports investor and several prominent real estate entrepreneurs

Privatization drive fuels commercial appetite

The surge in international interest comes amid Saudi Arabia's comprehensive transformation of its sports sector which aims to transition leading clubs from state-supported entities into commercially viable, privately owned powerhouses.

As one of the Kingdom’s oldest and most decorated sporting institutions, Al-Ittihad, known traditionally as "Al-Ameed" (The Dean), presents an attractive target.

The club boasts one of the largest and most passionate fanbases in the Middle East, a valuable commercial brand, and sustained domestic and continental pedigree.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Al Ittihad

Manchester United