Qatari Businessman Makes Final Bid for Manchester United

Sources have told ESPN that Sheikh Jassim, a Qatari businessman, has made a fifth and final bid to buy Manchester United. The improved bid was lodged with Raine Group, the US bank working on behalf of the Glazers, earlier this week. Sheikh Jassim has set a deadline for Friday for the Glazer family to provide an answer. It has been made clear that this will be his last offer and will not be open for negotiation beyond Friday. The Glazers have three days to make a decision.

Frustration at Lack of Progress

According to sources, Sheikh Jassim has become increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress following the Glazers’ announcement in November 2022 that they would consider “strategic alternatives” including investment or a full sale. The Qatari consortium made their first offer in February and now want a quick resolution before the start of the summer transfer window on June 14.

Competition from British Billionaire

The Glazers have another offer on the table from British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chairman of chemical company INEOS. Ratcliffe has proposed to hold 51% of the shares while allowing co-chairmen Joel Glazer and Avram Glazer to keep a stake. Sheikh Jassim, on the other hand, is hoping to buy 100% of the club.

Impact on Transfer Plans

Manager Erik ten Hag is growing increasingly concerned about the impact the takeover could have on the rest of his transfer plans. Although the Glazers have signed off on United’s pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, Ten Hag remains in the dark about the size of the summer budget and has been concerned about the lack of information passed down from the board. Ten Hag is also hoping to secure at least one striker and a goalkeeper in the upcoming transfer window.

In summary, Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim has made a final bid to buy Manchester United and set a deadline of Friday for the Glazers to provide a response. The Glazers have another offer on the table from British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Manager Erik ten Hag is concerned about the impact the takeover could have on his transfer plans and is still in the dark about the size of the summer budget.