A takeover of League One club Bromley led by former Everton striker Victor Anichebe is set to collapse at the 11th hour. The Nigerian, 38, was on the verge of taking charge of the strugglers through his Lumira Group, described as 'a long-term holding company investing in sport, education, healthcare and infrastructure across the UK.'
Second failed takeover bid
Anichebe was previously involved in an attempted takeover of non-league Gateshead, which eventually fell through. His bid to take over at Bromley appears to have suffered the same fate, despite the African consortium holding extensive talks with owner Robin Stanton-Gleaves.
With a deal close to being agreed, it is now reportedly on the verge of collapse.
Bromley's struggles in League One
Bromley have enjoyed a fairy-tale rise to the third tier, having been a National League side just a couple of years ago. However, the Ravens have found it tough in League One, sitting bottom with just nine points from 13 games. On Saturday, they were knocked out of the FA Cup by League Two Rotherham.
Long-serving manager Andy Woodman was recently sacked and replaced by former Liverpool youth coach Karl Robinson. It now looks like there won't be an ex-Red-Blue link-up in south-west London.
Anichebe's move into football ownership
Either way, it is clear Anichebe is keen to get involved in football as an owner. He moved into business after the culmination of his playing career, which began at Goodison Park.
Having moved from Nigeria with his family at a young age, he joined the Toffees' youth set-up and progressed through the ranks before making his first-team debut under David Moyes against Chelsea in 2006. He made 168 appearances for the Blues, netting 26 times, before being sold to West Bromwich Albion for £6million on September 2, 2013, the same day that Roberto Martinez snapped up Romelu Lukaku on loan.
He spent three years at the Hawthorns before a season at Sunderland. In 2017, he left the UK for a brief stint playing in China.
Focus on lower-league clubs
Anichebe's interest in Bromley and Gateshead indicates his focus is on acquiring a lower-league or non-league club, not a club like Everton, who were recently put up for sale by the Friedkin Group (TFG) less than two years after buying the Toffees for £400million. After a number of cost-cutting measures, the American business – which also owns Serie A side Roma – has been criticised by fans for a lack of investment in the transfer market.
