Why would Chinese investors be interested in Southampton? i'm guessing the general chinese public won't be too interested in us so not much money to be made there. Is it purely a throw in a cheeky bid to test how serious KL is about us, if she refuses nothing lost if she accepts we could be sold again in a few years for a hefty profit?
JWP was just asked about this in the press conference - handled it very well. Summary: First I've heard of it, just come in from training. But this is a great club, a global club and a club in the Europa League - only natural that it now attracts a worldwide audience.
Jisheng Gao the founder of Lander seems pretty loaded. He owns 59% of Lander worth about $2 billion. I can't find his net worth though.
I get that we've probably been unofficially on the market for a few seasons, but this is still a bit of a shock I don't know why. Always should be at least a bit wary of big new investors as it certainly does not always mean more success.
Why *wouldn't* they be interested in Southampton (or other PL club)? Chinese investors are interested in everything. But right now in particular, sports clubs. And particularly football.
My main concern is that it would mean a departure from the 'Southampton Way', something that it seems KL buys into. If we can continue on with that, with the added boost of investment into what that represents (in terms of underlying infrastructure) and in the playing staff than I'd welcome it, but I'd be surprised if nothing changed at all from that perspective. In my opinion, Chinese investors are more likely to be desperate to seek success (looking for trophies), and someone else mentioned that could affect our recruitment policy if they look for that in a short term way. Often when that is instigated by rich foreign owners, the sort of players we all balk at when other Premier League clubs splash the cash on are involved. I don't want Saints to look to sign late-20 Englishmen for £10m+ simply because they once played for a top team and foreign investors believe that is a shortcut to success. If it does come about then I hope you are right and it does allow us to go to the next level and ultimately win trophies. If it does though, it has to be in a sustainable way.
Claude just asked... I'm sorry but I just came in from training - I don't know about this. But I have full confidence in the president, the chairman and the owners to make the best decisions and the right decisions for the football club.
Almost as if a prominent (and devilishly handsome) forum member said something like this would happen 6 months ago and had scorn poured on him by those who are most definitely, not in the know. Although I will admit I got it wrong, I said October and it's clearly slipped a little bit time wise. I presume the talks Saints had with a couple of American investors came to nothing, or this "leak" is part of the process to get them and others back involved.
Is it? I agree that KL has never wanted to splash the cash in terms of transfer spending deficit but she doesn't appear to have been afraid of investing in the facilities/infrastructure. Since 2009, I'm not sure where the 'Southampton Way' came from - Leibherr/Cortese/Reed? Whatever it is, I like the 'Southampton Way' and the way we conduct ourselves, but of course like all fans, I want success as well.
If anyone can point me in the direction of a chinese owner whose done good for their club, I'd appreciate it cos I can't think of any.
Current Chinese owners at English clubs - West Bromwich Albion (taken over Summer 2016) Aston Villa (taken over Summer 2016, already sacked one manager) Wolves (taken over Summer 2016, already sacked one manager) Too early to judge completely but that shotgun approach to managerial changes that often comes with heavy foreign investment concerns me also.
If this is happening what are the chances of it being completed before Jan, would love a load of chinese money in the transfer window, thats providing they don't sell Virgil to recoup some of their investment.
100% stake in Aston Villa by Recon Group for an estimated £76 million 20% stake of Atletico Madrid by the second richest man in China, Dalian Wanda Group’s Wang Jianlin 56% stake in Spanish club Espanyol by a leading Chinese manufacturer of auto model called Rastar Group 55% stake of Inter Milan by owner of Suning Zhang Ji Dong worth $307 million 13% stake in Man City from a Chinese consortium called CMC worth up to £265 million 60% stake in Slavia Prague from CEFC Chinese Energy Company 100% stake in FC Sochaux from HK based Ledus for €7 million 100% stake in Granada from Chinese firm Link International Sports 100% stake in ADO Den Haag from United Vansen Sports 80% stake in OGC Nice by a group of Chinese investors 100% stake in Newcastle Jets (A-League) by Ledman Group for around USD$5 http://www.mailmangroup.com/2016/06/are-china-taking-over-european-football/
I like the way we are...perhaps we could do with some more money, but I don't want us to end up loaded with debt by the purchaser (cash only, please) and I don't want players bought at a high price (just because we can) if they don't fit our style. Perhaps a new owner would love us and continue in the same way, but I wouldn't hold my breath. I know many will think it is odd, but I don't want to be Chelsea....if I did, I'd support Chelsea.
