Southampton fans are discussing whether owner Gao Jisheng selling the club would benefit the Saints or not.
According to The Times, Jisheng has made Southampton available to buy for £250 million and has invited a broker to try and source a buyer as soon as possible. They also report that even though the club made a £28.6 million profit in 2017/18, the records which will be coming out soon for the 2018/19 season will not be as good.
The Chinese businessman took over the club back in August 2017, after he bought his stake from Swiss owner Katharina Liebherr. Before he took over, Southampton finished eighth in the Premier League, but since his arrival, the Saints have been battling at the wrong end of the League, finishing in 17th in 2017/18 then 16th in 2018/19. (Sky Sports)
This season the club currently sit in 14th on 34 points and are only 7 points ahead of the relegation zone. They have a huge game on the weekend as they play against bottom of the table Norwich at Carrow Road.
Here is what fans are saying on the report:
BREAKING NEWS:
Southampton Football Club have reportedly’ been made available for sale by current owner Gao Jisheng.
[Source: The Times] #Saintsfc pic.twitter.com/mNKbjwXdVG
— SaintsNews&Views (@SaintsfcViews) March 8, 2020
Good let us hope a buyer can be found who will invest in the club https://t.co/45n85GPS4B
— Roger Keith Walsh 🔶🕷️ (@rogerkeith1) March 8, 2020
-The current 80/20% ownership structure means it’s going to be a difficult deal to broker
-If Gao wants £250m for 80%, a full takeover would cost £300m+
-With the state of our squad, and wage to revenue ratio, I can’t imagine many investors would pay £300m?
Thoughts? #Saintsfc https://t.co/W5TCjfGj9S
— SaintsNews&Views (@SaintsfcViews) March 8, 2020
We are too small for anyone who wants glory. Match day revenues are 50% of what they need to be. Add in the lack of European football and it really is madness if you want success. We need to invest to leap frog those around us, which despite ffp will be loss making.
— Daniel (@Ddobsy) March 8, 2020
Revenue growth probably is a hinderance in attracting a buyer to us. That said, I don’t think anyone buys a club expecting to make money, and whilst we would need investment – I think we are in a better position than a lot of clubs re stadium, training facilities etc.
— Stuart (@stumcg1) March 8, 2020
If it’s a sale then there’s going to be negotiations.
Gao has showed his hand and wants £250 million.
An interested buyer would then come in with their offer and in an ideal world they’d meet somewhere in between so it won’t be the figures quoted.— Paul Rutherford (@Rutherford_Paul) March 8, 2020
Why do you think it’s only the Gao stake that is up for sale? I’m reasonably sure that if the club are trying to broker a deal it is for the whole club, not just Gao’s share. In any case is it certain that Kat bought 20%?
— Jon Baker (@VectisIW) March 8, 2020
Saints fans, would you be happy if your club was up for sale? Comment below!
