Stewart Donald stated at the beginning of the year that he wouldn’t outstay his welcome in the north-east and would do as fans wished by placing the club up for sale.
The current owner’s stewardship first showed signs that it may be a short-term tenure when American investor group FPP loaned him £9m, as it indicated that he may not have the resources to finance a return to the top-flight. Now it has emerged, according to US outlet Bloomberg, that Donald is eager to have an acquirer of the club lined up by the end of February, with a $52m [£40m] value set for potential suitors.
That is the same price as Donald reportedly paid Ellis Short for the club back in 2018, with the former owner writing off the debt attached to the club. As a result, a potential takeover could allow new owners to oversee a debt-free club with a fanbase and infrastructure in place that is capable of reaching the Premier League – making them an appealing prospect.
It is believed there are currently two parties interested in buying the club from Donald, and that has sparked a discussion amongst the fanbase.
Not bad profit for loads of empty promises and let downs
— Yarmnthat (@chickenparmos) February 4, 2020
Not bad like.
Buy a club with its own money.
Get previous owner to write off the debt.
Put next to no money in.
Flog it for 40 mil.
— It’s Just Lee (@LMc10_SAFC) February 5, 2020
The delusion from Conald continues
— Jimmy Jesus (@GazJ20162017) February 4, 2020
End of February? Absolutely no due diligence then 😂🙈 Translation, they have absolutely no clue.
— Foz (@Il_Principe1982) February 4, 2020
Not again, just tell me when he’s gone
— Ralph Lane (@Lane2ralphlane) February 5, 2020
Fingers crossed
— Ryan Honour (@RyanHonour) February 4, 2020
I’ll not hold me breath.
— davey (@DavidGl74220890) February 4, 2020
Do you think Stewart Donald has been a good owner during his time at the Stadium of Light, or are you pleased about the prospect of a takeover? Share your thoughts below…
