Former Sunderland defender and potential new owner of the club Michael Gray has discussed the ‘astronomical’ asking price set by Stewart Donald.
The 2019/20 season proved to be another low point for Sunderland, failing to gain promotion from League One for a second successive season. Consequently, pressure has firmly emerged on Donald to sell the club this summer and it has now been confirmed that the businessman has ended his role as club chairman.
Donald took over the Wearside club from Ellis Short in April 2018 but his time at the Stadium of Light has been met with heavy criticism, having sensationally put the club up for sale just 19 months into his tenure.
Multiple names have been linked with a potential takeover of the former Premier League club with both Sammy Yu and Mark Campbell credited with interest during the last few weeks, whilst former Sunderland defender Gray has also been linked with a possible buyout of the club.
Speaking over the weekend, as quoted via Sunderland Echo, Gray went into further details about his attempts to find an investor and the figures that he has been quoted by Donald and the club.
“I’m working very, very hard in trying to get some investors,” the former Black Cats defender said.
“I’ve made conversations with some people who are willing to take the club on, but for the right reasons.
“I’ve spoken to Sunderland a couple of times – not Stewart Donald initially, I spoke to his right-hand man Neil Fox – and I’ve been given the figures. They’re astronomical at the moment, I’ve got to admit.”
Gray’s comments come after Donald made it known that he wanted to sell the club for a figure of £37.6m.
Gray’s remarks of Donald asking for an “astronomical” amount suggests that the current owner may be holding out for more than £37.6m. However, with pressure firmly on the shoulders of Donald and officials to find a new buyer, that price may need to be lowered.
A takeover needs to be done as quickly and efficiently as possible or Sunderland could be faced with another season of rudderless frustration in 2020/21.
Sunderland fans, do you think Donald should lower the price for which he wants to sell the club? Let us know in the comments section below…
