Sir Jim Ratcliffe has suffered a thoroughly disappointing Friday after witnessing two potential deals fall through in rapid succession. The Manchester United co-owner also holds a majority stake in French side Nice, an arrangement he had been keen to conclude as takeover talks intensified. It is understood that an American consortium had been engaged in advanced discussions over acquiring the club, who narrowly escaped relegation on the final day of the campaign.
Ratcliffe and INEOS had set a strict deadline of June 15 to complete a sale, but Nice Matin, via Get Football News France, report that the deal has now fallen apart completely. The potential purchasers had reached the stage of visiting Nice's training facility. However, at the final moment they were unable to furnish the required financial guarantees and sporting stability commitments.
Ratcliffe purchased the club through INEOS in 2019 but has become progressively more distant since finalising his investment into Manchester United at the close of 2023. The petrochemicals magnate has gone as far as to publicly acknowledge he derives little enjoyment from watching the Ligue 1 outfit, a view that has left supporters increasingly dismayed with the club's direction.
Last year, Ratcliffe conceded: "I don't particularly enjoy going to watch Nice because there are some good players, but the level of football is not high enough for me to get excited." Having already lowered his asking price in an attempt to secure a sale, it now appears increasingly probable that Nice will remain under INEOS ownership when the 2026/27 season kicks off. Off the pitch, considerable changes are needed following a disastrous campaign that came close to ending in relegation from Ligue 1.
Former Leicester and Southampton boss Claude Puel stepped in on a temporary basis last season, but looks unlikely to be handed the role permanently. L'Equipe report that Nice had approached Liam Rosenior, hoping to entice him back to French football following his turbulent spell at Chelsea. Rosenior had built his reputation in the country while managing Strasbourg, before making the move to Chelsea at the start of 2026. However, he lasted just four months at Stamford Bridge and is now seeking a complete break from football.
On a more positive note for Ratcliffe, United's summer transfer window strategy is moving forward smoothly after reaching an agreement to sign Ederson from Atalanta. The club are willing to invest further, with competition heating up for Mateus Fernandes. United have identified the West Ham star as a primary target, and the path to securing his signature has cleared following Arsenal's refusal to meet his £80m valuation.
