The Emir of Qatar is set to attend Paris Saint-Germain ’s Champions League showdown with Bayern Munich as a decision regarding a takeover of Manchester United nears.
The deadline for interested parties to express their intentions to bid for the Red Devils is this upcoming Friday with a number of proposals anticipated. There is reportedly interest from the USA, Saudi Arabia and the UK, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe leading the domestic bid to buy the Old Trafford side.
There is also believed to be huge interest from Qatar in the Red Devils. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani is spearheading an effort to buy United with his Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) thought to be financing the move.
Some initial doubts emerged over a takeover, however, as QIA currently own stakes in Qatar Sports Investment (QSI) - the current owners of French giants PSG. With UEFA rules preventing clubs under the same owner participating in the same European competition, that sparked questions.
Despite that, the Emir remains interested in buying Man Utd without having to relinquish his stake in the reigning Ligue 1 champions. He is also set to reaffirm his commitment to the French side according to reports across the channel.
As per L’Equipe, he is set to attend PSG’s Champions League round of 16 tie with Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday evening. He has previously been on a diplomatic visit to Italian capital Rome and will now travel to France to take in the game.
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Whilst it remains to be seen whether the Emir can complete a takeover of the Red Devils, he is already putting immediate plans in place should a deal be rubber-stamped. According to the Mail, the club’s potential new owners would evaluate all departments currently at the club before making major changes as they already consider their first moves.
In the meantime, it is being suggested that those currently at the club will be given an opportunity to impress, whilst investment would be provided where it is needed. United have been up for sale since November with the Glazer family setting a soft deadline of Friday for bids as they look for upwards of £6bn.
It is suggested that whilst PSG and Man Utd could have the same owners, the fact that the two clubs would be led by separate entities would see them both abide by UEFA’s rules over ownership. Offers are set to be lodged to the American Merchant Bank Raine who are set to facilitate any possible sale.
Whilst the Emir will be keeping a close eye on PSG, it will be intriguing whether he keeps on top of proceedings at Man Utd. After overcoming Leeds at the weekend, the Red Devils are back in action in midweek. Erik ten Hag ’s men travel to the Camp Nou on Thursday evening to take on Barcelona in a Europa League playoff clash.
