The owner of OM, Frank McCourt, would be in favor of a sale, but on a certain condition.
Rumors about a possible sale of Olympique de Marseille to Saudi investors are resurfacing. The journalist for Canal +, David Berger, recently affirmed that the transaction could materialize as early as January 2024, for an amount of 400 million euros.
“ Behind the scenes, things are going on for the sale of the club. We talk very, very little about it and yet, this sale is getting closer. It is Saudi Arabia which would be interested in buying the club. It might be January. We are talking about €400M and a €200M envelope for recruiting. McCourt may want to sell and if the price is set, around €400 million, it could happen faster than expected. he said.
This information has been confirmed by other analysts, who say that discussions are well advanced. However, negotiations were stalled due to the financial claims of Frank McCourt, the club’s owner. The American businessman, who bought OM in 2016 for 75 million euros, is now asking 500 million euros to sell it.
This sum is considered too high by the Saudis, who would be ready to pay 400 million euros maximum. An impasse which could end the discussions.
However, the value of OM has exploded in recent years. According to the latest report from Brand Finance Football, the Marseille club is now valued at 458 million euros. At the same time, another study, carried out by the KPMG firm, values it at 379 million euros.
Frank McCourt’s demands would therefore be in line with the value of the club. If the Saudis are ready to revise their offer upwards, the sale of OM could well materialize in the coming months.
