Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote linked to French Club Purchase
Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has again been linked to the purchase of a football club, this time in France.
For weeks now, reports in France have said Africa`s richest man is interested in buying 100% ownership rights at French Ligue 2 outfit Valenciennes FC.
As first announced by l`equipe, Valenciennes FC President Eddy Zdziech put the club for sale through consultancy firm KPMG since April 2022 but the sale has not been effected one year on.
This is not due to the shortage of interested buyers, In-fact , a winter bid from Southampton owners Sport Republic was declined as it fell short of the 10 million euros asking price.
The latest round of talks according to reports in France involves African billionaire Aliko Dangote who has in the past been linked with interest in buying Arsenal.
At Valenciennes, report goes that “the director of the sports project for a large industrial group in sub-Saharan Africa was present at the Hainaut stadium for the game against Paris FC.
The visit was a feasibility study by the representative of the Dangote group in furtherance of negotiations between Zdziech family and the African billionaire who made his fortune in the field of cement.
If a deal must be struck, SportsRation understand, Valenciennes must retain its Ligue 2 spot at the end of this season. At the moment, Nicolas Rabuel ‘s men are currently ranked 15th in Ligue 2.
If he buys the club, Dangote will join the growing list of Nigerian club owners in Europe.
Kunle Soname owns Portuguese second division side CD Feirense, while Shola Akinlade, CEO of Paystack earlier this year acquired Denmark outfit Aarhus Fremad.
Recently, another Nigerian Billionaire Dozy Mmobuosi was linked to the purchase of English Championship high-flyers Sheffield United.
Fans at the Stade Du Hainaut will relish the prospect of having the takeover complete to end their acrimonious relationship with the Zdziech family family and herald a new phase at the 110-year old club.
