West Brom takeover: Shilen Patel relocation plans to UK from Florida revealed
Shilen Patel is not expected to relocate from his Florida base despite being confirmed as the controlling stakeholder at West Brom, according to the Athletic.
The news outlet reported on 29 February that he will be attending Baggies games semi-regularly.
This will still be more than Guochuan Lai who was rarely spotted in attendance at the Hawthorns.
The report reads: “Patel has been largely a silent partner at seven-time Serie A champions Bologna but has been close enough to observe the majority shareholder, Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist Joey Saputo, calling the shots.
“Patel has attended games periodically. One of which was the 2015 Serie B play-off final second-leg against Pescara where they clinched promotion back to the top division.
“He is expected to adopt a similar approach at Albion. He is not expected to relocate from his base in Florida but to attend games semi-regularly, a step up from absent former owner Lai.”
A new era for West Brom under Shilen Patel
Fans will surely understand Patel’s reasons for not permanently moving to the United Kingdom.
As a successful entrepreneur with various business interests, including his base in Florida, relocating might not be practical or feasible.
However, what matters most to the fans is his commitment to the club’s success, unlike Lai who seemed uninterested but still stands to make money from the club.
If Patel remains hands-on, continues to invest in the club’s infrastructure, and works diligently to make West Brom a competitive force in football, fans are likely to support him wholeheartedly.
His willingness to attend games semi-regularly demonstrates his dedication to the club, even if he can’t be physically present at all times.
Ultimately, as long as Patel’s actions contribute to the team’s progress and success on the pitch, fans will appreciate his efforts and embrace him as a respected figure in the club’s history.
In other West Brom news, a once exit-bound Baggies player is now likely for a Hawthorns stay as a contract twist has emerged recently.
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