In a stunning development that could reshape the Premier League landscape, Crystal Palace part-owner John Textor has officially confirmed he is in exclusive negotiations to purchase Wolverhampton Wanderers from current Chinese owners Fosun International.
American Billionaire's Bold Move
John Textor, the American tech billionaire behind Eagle Football Holdings, has revealed he is actively pursuing a complete takeover of Wolves in what represents one of the most significant ownership plays of the current football season. The 59-year-old businessman confirmed to The Mirror that his organisation has entered an exclusive period of negotiation with Fosun, who have controlled the Midlands club since 2016.
"We're in an exclusive dialogue to explore the potential acquisition of Wolves," Textor stated, acknowledging the seriousness of his intentions. "While I respect the club and its community, we must carefully examine the current financial situation and sporting challenges before proceeding."
Multi-Club Ownership Model Expansion
Textor's potential acquisition of Wolves represents a major expansion of his growing football empire. The American already holds significant stakes in:
- Crystal Palace (Premier League)
- Olympique Lyonnais (French Ligue 1)
- Botafogo (Brazilian Serie A)
- RWD Molenbeek (Belgian Pro League)
This multi-club model has become increasingly popular among modern football investors, though Textor's potential ownership of two Premier League clubs would undoubtedly attract scrutiny from league authorities and require careful restructuring of his current holdings.
Fosun's Changing Strategy
The potential sale comes amid growing speculation about Fosun International's long-term commitment to Wolves. The Chinese conglomerate purchased the club for £45 million in 2016, overseeing their rise from Championship contenders to established Premier League presence and European competitors.
However, recent financial constraints and strategic shifts within Fosun have prompted reconsideration of their football investments. The club has faced Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) challenges and has adopted a more cautious approach in recent transfer windows.
What This Means for Wolves
A Textor acquisition could signal:
- Increased investment in the playing squad and infrastructure
- Integration into a global network of football clubs
- Potential restructuring of Textor's Crystal Palace stake
- Fresh approach to commercial operations and player development
The news comes at a critical juncture for Wolves, who are preparing for another Premier League campaign under manager Gary O'Neil while navigating the financial realities of modern football.
Football insiders suggest the negotiations could accelerate in the coming weeks as both parties assess the feasibility of a deal that would represent one of the most significant ownership changes in recent Premier League history.
