Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to become the new owner of Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense, marking another major step in the Argentine superstar’s growing involvement in football ownership.
Eldense confirmed that an agreement has been reached with Messi, although the proposed takeover is yet to be completed. The club said the transaction remains subject to the conclusion of final legal and contractual procedures, including the required due diligence process and mandatory authorization from Spain’s High Council for Sports, CSD.
“At this time, the operation is pending completion of the final legal and contractual procedures, including the corresponding due diligence process, as well as the mandatory authorization from the High Council for Sports, CSD,” Eldense said.
The proposed deal would see Messi acquire 100 percent of the shares currently held by Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group SAS, Eldense’s majority shareholder.
If completed, the takeover would make Messi the full owner of another Spanish football club while he continues his playing career with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.
The 39-year-old has already expanded his presence in Spanish football after purchasing UE Cornella, a club based in Barcelona competing in Spain’s fifth tier, earlier this year.
His proposed acquisition of Eldense would therefore give him ownership interests in two Spanish clubs operating at different levels of the football pyramid.
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The development comes as Messi approaches the later stages of his playing career, with the forward also expected to receive a stake in Inter Miami following the expiry of his current playing contract with the MLS club.
Reports in Spain indicate that the purchase of Eldense could be completed in the coming days. However, the club has not provided a fixed date for the completion of the transaction, with the remaining regulatory and legal requirements still needing to be fulfilled.
Eldense currently occupy 20th position in the Segunda Division standings and are facing a difficult campaign in Spain’s second tier.
The club was taken over by TH Soluciones Group last October after spending several years moving between Spain’s regional divisions. Eldense’s rise to the second tier represents a significant transformation for a club that has traditionally operated outside the top levels of Spanish football.
Messi’s proposed investment could provide Eldense with increased financial resources, greater international visibility and a stronger commercial profile. His global reputation is likely to attract considerable attention to the club both in Spain and internationally.
For Messi, the move represents another expansion of his activities away from the pitch. The Argentine remains one of the biggest names in world football, and his growing involvement in club ownership suggests he could have an increasingly significant role in the sport after his playing career eventually comes to an end.
The Eldense takeover, however, will only become official once all outstanding legal, contractual and regulatory requirements have been completed.
Al Jazeera
