x

American Takeover Bid For Saints

Saints have reportedly entered into a period of exclusive negotiations with an American based group for the sale of Gao Jisheng's share in the club.

The Mail online is reporting that Former Bordeaux owner Joseph DaGrosa is looking to buy Southampton, the American has entered into a period of exclusive negotiations with the Saints.

He had previously been interested in buying Newcastle United in 2019 and it is said that should the takeover prove successful, Saints would likely raid the transfer market.

Sportsmail reports that they understand the American has entered into a period of exclusive negotiations with Southampton owner Gao Jisheng, who put the club up for sale earlier this year due to the increasing difficulty of taking money out of China.

DaGrosa spoke to Newcastle owner Mike Ashley about a takeover last year after his private equity company General American Capital Partners (GACP) sold their stake in Ligue 1 Bordeaux, but the talks did not lead to a formal offer.

The report continues

DaGrosa is convinced that Southampton and several other clubs are undervalued due to the market overcorrecting amid the pandemic, a theory that GACP also apply to players.

If the takeover is successful, Southampton would see an influx of new signings.

DaGrosa believes that there are bargains to be had because few clubs are recruiting due to concerns over falling income in the absence of gate receipts.

Southampton suffered another setback this summer when a dispute with shirt sponsors LD Sports, a Chinese entertainment and marketing company, led them to cancel the contract.

The club are taking legal action against LD Sports, who have been replaced by another sponsor, betting company Sportsbet.io.

Southampton declined to comment.

This is in line with information we became aware of around 6 weeks ago that an American bid was in the offing, although DaGrossa's name was not mentioned,

The native New Yorker is 56 and has wanted to get into Premier League football for some time, hence the Newcastle United bid, it will be interesting to see how things pan out in the next few weeks and if DaGrosa wishes to invest in this transfer window as the Mail suggests then that could indicate that the takeover is advanced and the deal could be done before the deadline in 3 weeks time.

What to read next:

Southampton 0 - 1 Stoke City - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Saints V Stoke City A Look Back In Pictures 2
In the second part of our pictorial look back at some of our games against Stoke City from the past, here we look back at more recent games, so most of you would have been at them.
Saints V Stoke City A Look Back In Pictures
We have looked through our photo archives for a look back as some games against Stoke City over the years, what are your memories of these games ?
Southampton V Stoke City The Preview
Saints go into the last two games of the season with their hopes of automatic promotion ended, even the hope of finishing 3rd is only a point away from being ended, but they do have something to play for and that is getting back the togetherness, character & fight Russell Martin has recently be moaned.
No Togetherness No Character No Fight
Not my words, but those of Southampton manager Russell Martin, who should ask himself the question why two months ago we had all those attributes and now we don't !
Southampton At Leicester The Debacle
The big question is how can a side that was so tight at the back, so clinical up front and who could pass the ball around almost with their eyes closed, become the disorganised rabble that they were at the Leicester City this evening.
Southampton Side Announced For Leicester Game
Russell Martin has revealed his side for the game against Leicester City, find out what surprises he has for Saints supporters this time out.
Southampton At Leicester City The Preview
Saints travel up to Leicester knowing that it is almost certain that they will just be in the play offs come the end of the season, however there is still the feint hope of 3rd place to play for, however the Foxes are playing for a bigger prize.
A Rough Guide To Leicester City FC
Saints head up to Leicester City this evening with their automatic promotion hopes just about over, so for the 3,000 fans who bought their tickets when there was hope here are the details.
Southampton At Cardiff City The Verdict
There can be no excuses for this defeat, a loss that effectively means that it will be a play off spot and not an automatic promotion place for Southampton, so where did it all go wrong.