Time is of the essence, Andrea Radrizzani has warned, after his initial offer to buy Sampdoria was rejected today. Less than 24 hours after Leeds United’s relegation from the Premier League, which Radrizzani was absent from, the Italian’s quest to buy a new club has hit a stumbling block.
Radrizzani has partnered with Matteo Manfredi to take over the relegated outfit set to play in Italy's second tier next season. However, despite promises of capital being ready to move along with the substantial backing of Qatar Sports Investments, current Samp chief Massimo Ferrero has knocked back this initial attempt.
While Leeds remain silent on Radrizzani's position, it is unclear exactly what this Sampdoria quest means for the Whites directly.
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Andrea Radrizzani, chairman and founder of Aser Group, said: “It is essential to act quickly, since every day of waiting involves delays and the consequent danger of penalties for the club, also with a view to the next championship.
“In fact, Sampdoria risks suffering a loss of points or even not being registered for competitions, which would have devastating consequences for the club and for all its splendid and extraordinary fans.
“Therefore, it is imperative all parties involved focus on the common goal of securing a strong future for the club. We are truly sorry and disappointed our offer has been exploited to satisfy the needs of others or to reopen negotiating tables.
“We want to underline we have worked tirelessly, in a discreet and respectful way for the management and the team, to ensure the continuity of this club. Our commitment is guided by our passion for football and the desire to bring positive results.
“There is profound pride in making our experience and reputation available, having chosen to invest and put our face in Genoa.”
Matteo Manfredi, principal and founder of Gestio Capital, Radrizzani’s bid partner, said: “Gestio Capital and Aser Holding, following the preliminary agreement signed for the finalisation of a capital increase in UC Sampdoria SpA, wish to communicate the details of this important operation which aims to relaunch the Sampdoria club.
“The agreement we have defined with the Sampdoria board of directors, provides for exclusivity and was also reached thanks to the close collaboration with various minority shareholders.
“This demonstrates a broad consensus regarding the proposed proposal. It is important to underline how the capital necessary to conclude the operation is already available, despite some contrary statements expressed in this regard.
“Our commitment is to ensure the financial stability of the club and in particular to protect the interests of creditors with an eye to small ones. This offer represents an important departure from the previous ownership and certifies a clear desire to preserve the coat of arms and tradition of a historic club such as Sampdoria.
“Our plan, which envisages serious and sustainable long-term growth, is already being drawn up and we are setting up our work by planning investments such as to allow the club to return to the levels of excellence it deserves, but time, and this we must necessarily point it out, it’s really very very limited.”
Their press release continued: “Given these important and necessary clarifications, Gestio Capital and Aser Group are, however, forced to underline how the offer presented was rejected by the previous owner.
“An incomprehensible no which also jeopardises the immediate future of the club, which scares, but which does not stop Matteo Manfredi and Andrea Radrizzani from pursuing the clear and clear objective of being able to give Sampdoria a brilliant future.
“The working group formed by Gestio Capital and Aser Group set up this operation in the wake of the successes already achieved previously in the relaunch of other clubs. Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League in the 2019/20 season and the following three seasons in the English top flight are clear proof of this.
“Matteo Manfredi and Andrea Radrizzani have already been working for days to define the next strategies, to define the team’s squad and identify a high-profile technician. At the same time, assessments are underway for the definition of an internal structure characterised by international management.
“Finally, the already explicit presence of Qatar Sports Investments alongside Gestio Capital and Aser Group confirms the support of reliable, competent and extraordinarily solid partners.”
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