- Reports this week emerged saying the Sunderland owners were looking to sell the club
- The ownership group have released a statement on the matter
- Owners are still ‘fully committed’ to the club
A report emerged this week claiming that Sunderland had sought an investment bank to help ahead of a potential sale.
After the news that claimed the club were up for sale, the ownership group have released a statement regarding the matter.
They have claimed they are ‘fully committed to the club’ but haven’t shut down the reports.
It was reported by FootBiz on Friday that potential investors had been told that the club is available. It has been claimed that Moelis, a US investment bank is involved in selling the club.
Moelis have been involved in the sale of football clubs in the past, most famously involving Roman Abramovich selling Chelsea in 2022.
However, Sunderland’s owners haven’t yet said whether or not the club is up for sale. They have though, claimed they were ‘entirely committed’ and were ‘aggressively’ planning for next season.
Owners ready to sell up?
The club’s statement, which was released through The i Paper, makes it sound as if they are still fully behind their project. With Regis Le Bris’ men excelling this season, it would be strange for the club to sell right now.
Only last month, Tom Burwell, CEO of the club’s parent company Bia, spoke of the boards position. He told the Sunderland Echo that the Black Cats were the absolute priority for all involved.
He said at the time: “The reality is that the executives that sit in BSG are not as integrated into those other portfolio businesses in the same way that they are in Sunderland.”
What does this mean for the club?
In reality, it seems that the club are probably looking for some investment. This is normal for most clubs that work in the way the likes of Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and the Sunderland ownership do.
Although it could be a perfect time to sell the club, as they are on an upward trajectory, and seemingly only looking in one direction. It very much feels like the ownership isn’t here for the short-term.
Ahead of what looks to be an important time in the clubs future, after a brilliant first season, the next step could genuinely be a push for Europe.
Although some, including Le Bris will want to tamper those expectations.
The club will be looking for further improvements in the squad this summer. For this, investment is needed. The club spent more than £150m last summer, and a similar sum may be needed again.
Have Sunderland run out of money?
Seeking investment doesn’t mean the club have ran out of money. Running a club with this business model means external funding is required.
By doing so, the club will be able to back Le Bris this summer, and make the next step. If the club is able to spend a similar amount to last year on fine-tuning the squad, then Europe could be possible.
The club will be looking to bring in three or four new players to help elevate them. Players like Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Amad Diallo are being heavily linked, and could help with that.
