Shilen Patel explains West Brom appeal in ‘eye-wateringly high’ US sports verdict
Shilen Patel has explained the appeal for purchasing a majority ownership stake in West Brom amid an “eye-wateringly high” verdict on American sports teams.
Patel, along with his father Kiran Patel, purchased an 87.8% stake in the Baggies with the deal ratified on 28 February (Sky Sports).
He becomes the latest American involvement in English football, with the likes of Leeds United, Manchester United and Liverpool all under US ownership.
And Patel explained the allure of getting involved in English football.
Speaking to BBC West Midlands in quotes reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday (13 March), he said: “There has always been a certain romance in sports ownership. Global football – and European football in particular – is interesting from a business standpoint. The stakes, the potential and the accessibility.
“You look at something like the NFL, Major League Baseball or the NHL, the valuations are quite uniform… and in some cases eye-wateringly high too.
“If you find the right club in the right circumstance, the opportunity to alter the standings and the trajectory of a club is much greater in football than in the American leagues.”
Can West Brom claim promotion to the Premier League amid the takeover at The Hawthorns?
It must be said that Carlos Corberan has already done an incredible job at The Hawthorns, working on an extremely tight budget and limited resources but still battling for promotion this term.
The hope is now that the Spaniard will be able to have more resources to continue building a squad in his own mould and to work towards securing that coveted spot in the Premier League.
Placed fifth in the Championship after 37 matches, the Baggies have the opportunity to claim promotion to the Premier League through the playoffs if they can maintain their current form.
Moving five points ahead of Norwich City and Hull City at the weekend has been an important move in the Championship. And although they are 10 points behind Southampton in fourth, the playoffs can bring about many shocks.
Even if West Brom are unable to reach the top tier this season, the potential at The Hawthorns is very high, which is, obviously, why Patel has chosen the West Midlands club to invest in.
In other West Brom news, a behind-the-scenes deal has been struck at The Hawthorns.
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.