Guochuan Lai was heavily criticised during his time at West Brom.

Steve Hermon: West Brom takeover deal has ‘never been close’ despite conflicting reports

Mon 12 February 2024 18:10, UK

Guochuan Lai is not and never has been close to agreeing a deal that will see Alex Hearn complete a takeover of West Brom, according to Steve Hermon.

The BBC West Midlands journalist reported via his X account that the constant rumours are not helpful to the club, and it has become clear that the takeover is needed sooner rather than later.

This update comes after The Athletic [11 February] reported that Chris Farnell (a lawyer) and Hearn (an investor) were set to fly to China this week in an attempt to close the official takeover of West Brom with Guochuan Lai.

West Brom takeover news breaks on Monday

The report in The Athletic shared that Shilen Patel remains the frontrunner to complete the takeover, despite Hearn’s reported confidence, and is the preferred choice of the club’s senior staff and main creditor MSD Partners, despite a three-way race continuing.

Patel emerged as the frontrunner in January and has since reportedly led the race to complete the takeover, but with Hearn said to be flying to China, it would certainly cast some uncertainty on those reports.

MORE BAGGIES STORIES

Hermon is spot on that a takeover is needed sooner rather than later, that much has been clear for some time, but as things stand it looks like Baggies fans might have to wait a little longer for good news.

Suggestions were previously made that it would be a number of weeks rather than months before the takeover could be finalised, but that expected date has been continually pushed back, and unless some clarity emerges, questions will remain.

I guess they can try but it’s my understanding that they are not close to a deal and more importantly have never been close. #WBA.

All the speculation isn’t helpful but it’s clear that the club needs a takeover to be done sooner, rather than later. https://t.co/CYfEIfORza
— Steve Hermon (@SteveHermon) February 12, 2024

View Tweet

If the report that Farnell and Hearn are flying to China is true, then it should spell good news for West Brom, but publicly moving to refute those claims would be a bold stance if Hermon didn’t believe his news was accurate. It’s time to wait and see.

In other West Brom news, Brandon Thomas-Asante has sent a message to Daryl Dike after his injury.

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.