The Sunderland takeover saga could finally have an end result this week. Philip Buckingham of The Athletic and the Sunderland Echo are reporting that, following 13 months of uncertainty, the English Football League are set to ratify a deal that will finally see a new owner at the Stadium of Light.
Current owner Stewart Donald is set to be replaced by billionaire Kyril Louis-Dreyfus. Donald and Juan Sartori are to retain a minority stake; however, Louis-Dreyfus will be the new owner and chairman of Sunderland football club.
Sunderland Takeover Latest
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus on Wearside and Attending Games
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, whose family is reportedly worth around £6 billion, attended the away game at Shrewsbury Town last week. He also spent time at the club’s academy and stadium and was in attendance at the Stadium of Light on Saturday to see the Black Cats defeat fellow promotion chasers Doncaster Rovers. The team produced the performance of the season winning 4-1.
23-year-old Louis-Dreyfus had his takeover deal announced in December and now the completion of the deal could be just days away. The wait has been a long one for fans as they continue to spend time in England’s third tier following a disastrous few years which saw two successive relegations. However, if Lee Johnson can get his side consistently playing as they did against Doncaster, they should be automatic promotion contenders.
Twin Brother Could Follow
Reports also suggest that one of Louis-Dreyfus’s first appointments will be his twin brother, Maurice. Once Kyril has taken control of the club, Maurice, who already has a base in England, could be named as a director. The appointment of Maurice Louis-Dreyfus would need to be approved by the EFL before taking he takes up a role on Wearside.
Deal Has Been in the Hands of the Football League
Sunderland have been awaiting the green light from the Football League to be able to complete the takeover for several weeks now. Before the EFL approved the deal, they wanted assurances that Donald and co will continue to help fund the club for the next two years. If reports are true, it appears that the Football League now have the assurances they want. Fans may now be able to look forward to an exciting future for their club.
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