Adrian Goldberg raises concern over ‘controversial’ Chris Farnell involvement in West Brom takeover
Adrian Goldberg says “there are questions to be asked” about Chris Farnell’s involvement in the ongoing West Brom takeover situation.
BBC Sport reported on Monday (29 January) that the Cheshire-based lawyer is attempting to buy a minority stake in the Baggies.
The report claims that Farnell has proof he has the funds required to purchase a nine-and-a-half-per-cent stake.
However, given Farnell’s chequered history when it comes to takeovers, former BBC broadcaster Goldberg admits supporters are right to be cautious.
“That’s a lot of money just to own nine-and-a-half per-cent of West Brom,” he said on The Liquidator podcast [30 January].
“What I will say is that Chris Farnell is certainly a controversial figure. He helps with club takeovers, so his history is interesting to say the least.
“There are questions to be asked about his involvement in the football club. He’s a colourful character that many Albion fans will be wary of.”
High-profile figure
Farnell has been involved in a number of takeover attempts, including Burnley in 2020 alongside Mohamed El Kashashy, only to pull out.
An attempt to buy Charlton earlier that year fell through, meanwhile, because others involved in the purchase were disqualified from doing so.
There are also stories regarding Farnell and Swansea City, so he is a fairly high-profile figure in the footballing landscape.
If the BBC article is true, however, it appears that Farnell has the funds required to become a minority owner at The Hawthorns.
Guochuan Lai will ultimately have the final say, but one way or another this situation has to be resolved soon after months of uncertainty.
Florida-based entrepreneur Shilen Patel has been considered the frontrunner to take over, but once again things have gone a little quiet.
All supporters want at this stage is confirmation from Albion that a deal has been struck and a new era has been entered – with or without Farnell.
In other West Brom news, Don Goodman admits he had never previously heard of an Albion player who is now irreplaceable.
For more West Brom news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.