Some members of the Glazer family, the co-owners of Manchester United, are reportedly looking into selling their stake in the club. The family has owned the club for more than 20 years, but have been the subject of fan protests.
Bloomberg reports that several members of the family have held ‘internal discussions’ over the possibility of selling their stakes, and are hoping to convince others to do the same. It’s added that the discussions are being had by some individual members and not the family as a whole, with some against a sale.
That could reportedly make any deal difficult, unless they have a change of mind. Potential buyers would likely face a steep price tag if they wish to buy a stake in United.
Mirror Football reported in October last year that the Glazers would only consider offers of more than £5 billion if they were to sell their stake in the club. The valuation is said to take into account what United will be worth if the club completes plans to build a new 100,000-seater stadium.
Currently, Avram and Joel Glazer are executive co-chairmen at United. Kevin Glazer, Bryan Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, and Edward Glazer are all named as directors on the board.
In February 2024, the Glazers sold a 27.7 per cent stake in the club to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS business. The businessman paid a fee of £1.25 billion to complete the takeover and take charge of football operations.
The latest New York Stock Exchange shares show United trading at around $21 (£15.6), which gives the club a market value of around $3.6 billion (£2.7 billion). But the asking price will be much higher given the voting rights that Glazer shares guarantee.
There has been speculation over a possible takeover at Old Trafford for some time. Saudi businessman Turki Al-Sheikh hinted that a takeover was on the cards back in October. He is heavily involved in hosting big boxing events. He now looks to be closing in on a possible takeover of Championship club Derby County.
