In recent times, the football world has witnessed a takeover from different individuals around the football clubs in Europe. From the Chinese, Americans, and the Emirates too, the new players in the takeover trend are the Saudis. After taking over Newcastle United in October 2021, and buying a lot of world superstars to their league, they are now looking to acquire another club in Serie A.
While there are still rumors about a takeover of the French Ligue 1 club AS Monaco, speculations are that the Saudi is targeting AS Roma, a historic Italian club with a passionate fan base to add to their portfolio of clubs they own. Reports suggest this potential mega-deal has sent shockwaves through the football world, sparking discussions about the motivations behind the purchase and the potential consequences for AS Roma.
The Saudi consortium has a vast amount of funds, and they will surely bring huge investments to the club. If this takeover goes through, the club will be among the giants in the league plus Europe as a whole. AS Roma will be among the giants of football, in a few years.
The Saudi Investment
The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), is flexing its financial muscle in the world of football. Here’s a deeper dive into this ambitious move. It is estimated they boast an immense wealth worth $250 billion, and this allows them to be major players in the transfer market and invest heavily in infrastructure development for acquired clubs.
The PIF is not just throwing money around. They have a strategic vision for building a strong football presence. Their acquisition of a controlling stake in Newcastle United was just the first step. Reports are going around that AS Monaco might also be among the teams they want to acquire by the end of the year.
With this financial power, the PIF will significantly change the landscape of European football, with this kind of wealth they are impacting player transfers, club development, and potentially even the power dynamics within the football itself.
The Motivation
The Saudi Consortium is not just throwing money, they want to build their football empire in Europe. Acquiring Roma will allow them to have a presence in Italian football, creating a world-class club that will challenge the established powers of Italian football. This takeover also allows Saudi to create a government relationship with Italy.
AS Roma is quite known around the world, and the PIF knows that investing in a club with such fame will go a long way. A team competing at the highest level attracts a global fan base. This translates to increased merchandise sales, international sponsorships, and potentially higher match-day ticket prices, especially if they host big European clubs. Ultimately, sporting success can be a springboard for significant financial gains.
Looking Forward
While this move injects a dose of excitement into the Roma fans, it should be noted that there are challenges ahead. Human Rights Amnesty has accused the Kingdom of Saudi with sport washing its image through sports, but they managed to acquire Newcastle even after these accusations.
On the brighter side, this move will lead to increased investment in players, facilities, and the overall brand of the club. A transformed AS Roma under new ownership will disrupt the established order in Italian football. The league might become a magnet for top players and managers, elevating its global standing.
Also Read: Gareth Southgate’s Contract Extension: A Daring Move or a Risky Gamble?
About the Author
From Mbale, Uganda, Wopicho Tony is a rising star in the world of football punditry. This self-proclaimed football fanatic bleeds passion for the beautiful game. With an eye for talent and a deep understanding of the sport’s intricacies, Tony’s analysis is both insightful and engaging. Check out the blog about African football on Footy Africa.
