Adrian Goldberg raises ‘note of caution’ over Shilen Patel as West Brom takeover edges closer
Adrian Goldberg has issued a “note of caution” as Shilen Patel edges closer to completing his takeover of West Brom.
The Express & Star reported on its website on Friday (9 February) that talks between Patel and Guochuan Lai are at a “critical stage”.
It has been suggested that confirmation of a takeover could now be a matter of weeks away.
Patel is worth millions of pounds, but former BBC broadcaster Goldberg has questioned just how much the American businessman will pump into The Hawthorns.
“Shilen Patel is an interesting potential owner and perhaps the one most fans are rooting for,” he said on The Liquidator podcast [11 February, 15m 42s].
“His dad was born in Zambia, went to the United States and made a fortune through healthcare. Shilen himself, having been born into that wealthy family, has worked on creating a software company.
“So from a position of privilege he’s done well for himself. My note of caution is how much money does he have himself that is spare to invest in West Bromwich Albion?
“Often with these business people, money is tied up in their businesses. They tend not to have tens of millions of pounds sitting there in cash. So does Shilen understand what he might be getting into?
“A football club where things are not going well can easily start sucking cash out of your other enterprises.
“Lai, I’d suggest, didn’t have the foggiest clue what he was getting himself into. Does Shilen Patel really know what football is like as an investor?”
Guochuan Lai era at West Brom coming to an end
After months and months of so-called “advanced talks”, it is looking as though we are on the verge of a deal being finalised.
Patel certainly seems to have the funds and the business sense to be a successful owner at The Hawthorns.
In fairness, though, quite literally anybody would make a better fist of it than Lai has.
As Goldberg says, being worth millions is one thing; just how much of that money West Brom get to see is another.
Patel will have to pay off the debts owed by the club, which is garnering more and more interest.
It is then hoped that money will be freed up to strengthen the squad, but whether that happens in time for the summer is tough to see.
All will become clear over time. For now, West Brom fans can be excited about a new era beginning for the club.
In other West Brom news, Richard Keys made a “perfect” claim regarding the Baggies’ draw with Ipswich Town.
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