African billionaire ‘close to £90m buyout of Sheffield United’ with cash-strapped Blaise under transfer ban after struggling to keep Liverpool payout of £23.5m
- African investors’ identities remain a closely guarded secret
- However, the acquisition is believed to be close to a timely alleviation of the club’s financial problems.
- EFL put them under transfer ban after they failed to pay
Sheffield United is reportedly about to be bought by an African billionaire in a deal worth £90million.
The Blaze are aiming for promotion to the Premier League this season, but were given a transfer ban last month amid financial difficulties.
However, their problems are reportedly about to be alleviated by the acquisition – the identity of the prospective new owner remains a secret.
The buyer is currently being tested by EFL owners and directors, according to The Times, but no issues have been reported so far.
They say Blaze’s failure to maintain contract installments has imposed an embargo that prohibits them from buying players for the next 18 months unless they win a promotion.
An African billionaire is reportedly closing in on £90m to buy Sheffield United.
Blaze are aiming for promotion to the Premier League but have major financial problems
This included a payment to Liverpool for forward Rian Brewster, who was signed for £23.5m in October 2020.
United are also reportedly looking to renegotiate the payment structure for Bosnian defender Anel Ahmedžić, who joined Swedish club Malmö last summer.
The embargo was imposed when the club’s current Saudi owner, Prince Abdullah, was looking to sell the South Yorkshire club.
There were reports that uncertainty over funding could force the Blaze to sell star midfielder Sander Berge during the January transfer window to raise money.
The Norwegian has been linked with a £20million move to Newcastle or Fulham, but the fact that United have kept him is seen as a sign their financial problems will soon be resolved. .
American Henry Maurice was looking to buy the club last year, but the deal fell apart after he failed the EFL test.
However, The Times reports that a recent African bid for the club is far more viable.
The club reportedly struggled to keep forward Ryan Brewster paid to Liverpool
Blaze feared they would have to sell midfielder Sander Berge in January
Paul Heckingbottom’s side are on course for automatic promotion to the Premier League after losing to Nottingham Forest in the play-off semi-finals last season.
They are currently in second place in the championship table, five points behind leaders Burnley, but 12 points behind third-placed Middlesbrough, with a game coming up.
The club will last play in the top league in 2020-21 and will need to invest in the squad if they are to stay in the Premier League if promoted.
