Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani has reportedly sent a fifth and final proposal to buy Manchester United outright directly to the Glazer family in a bid to edge takeover rival Sir Jim Ratcliffe once and for all. It’s the second time Sheikh Jassim, whose net worth is valued at £275billion, has allegedly told United’s American owners that this is his final offer but crucially, it appears he is now ready to walk away if he is not successful this time around.
The Mail are reporting that the Qataris have launched a fresh bid that includes a firm commitment to investing heavily on transfers once they have completed a full takeover of the club.
Yet interestingly, they want a response by Friday from the Glazers, who are continuing to stall over a sale despite receiving a number of substantial and significant proposals from interested parties.
It’s understood Sheikh Jassim has made it clear there will be no further engagement if he does not receive indications he is making progress this time around as the Qataris begin to lose patience.
That said there is still a strong, burning desire to finally complete the purchase of United following a process that has rumbled on since November when the Glazers first revealed they were open to investment opportunities.
Erik ten Hag’s recruitment drive this summer is thought to have played a key part in the latest bid from the Qataris.
That’s because Sheikh Jassim and his consortium have recognised that funds could be limited at Old Trafford where player sales are likely to generate part of United’s budget.
Yet the Qataris are willing to dig their hands deep into their pockets and enable Ten Hag to pursue any targets he requires while also remaining in compliance with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Their fourth bid to buy United had been made in light of reports that Ratcliffe’s INEOS had been leading the process despite the fact neither party had been told there was a ‘preferred bidder’ as heavily speculated within the media.
The biggest problem Sheikh Jassim is facing is that Ratcliffe is still offering the Glazers a chance to remain on board as stakeholders.
Ratcliffe’s final process, presented many weeks ago, would see him acquire a controlling stake at United worth more than 50 per cent.
Around 20 per cent would then remain in the hands of the Glazer family while the other 30 per cent would stay in the hands of respective investment groups.
Speaking after the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to rivals Manchester City, head coach Ten Hag made it clear he intends to continue driving the club forward this summer – declaring there is a clear internal plan in place regardless of who holds the keys to Old Trafford.
The Dutchman stated: “I have only one plan: that is to improve this club and to improve this team. I will fight for [it]. I have my ideas and I already told the club what we have to do for that.
“But I have to work with my staff, with my players to be better next season. I think in this moment, I don’t want to discuss [the takeover]. It’s about finalising the season.
“We have to be quiet, analysing the season, going to the depth, set the right conclusions, and then take action. It’s about that.
“The process, during the season, we are continually making considerations, actions into process. But now the season is finished, the conclusion overall is we played a brilliant season.
“It’s not about the gap in the summer, it’s not about getting players in and they do well. It’s about we work all season and day by day to develop the team, progress the team.”
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