‘As I understand it’ – Steve Madeley delivers major update on West Brom takeover
Athletic journalist Steve Madeley has said that Guochuan Lai was talking to three groups about selling West Brom.
He said that all of these were US groups with most, if not all, fronted by Brits.
Two of these groups have now pulled out over the price – which has been quoted between £120m and £150m – while one group remains in talks.
However, Madeley claims – in a fan Q&A on The Athletic – that these talks are not ongoing in “any real active way at present” with the price remaining a problem.
Madeley claims that the groups don’t want to pay more than £100m and while increasing danger of relegation could push the price lower, Lai, who paid around £200m, “might well have financed part of that purchase [and] will need to be more realistic with what he is asking.”
Takevoer troubles
This isn’t necessarily the news that West Brom fans, keen on seeing Lai out of the club, will want to hear.
However, the two main parts of a takeover are in place – an owner who’s willing to sell and interested buyers.
The price of a club whose future is uncertain is always going to be the sticking point.
Lai appears to be ready to take a loss for the club but how much can he actually afford to lose if he’s financed part of the deal?
It means that a takeover is unlikely to happen anytime soon and that means another transfer window on fumes, although the sale of Ahmed Hegazi has potentially freed up some cash.
If Kamil Grosicki moves in January then Slaven Bilic may have funds to spend. It won’t be a lot, though.
In other West Brom news, View: Awful stats show West Brom summer signing so far proves to be a sub-par buy