Ten years after the arrival of Qatar in France with the acquisition of Paris Saint-Germain, Saudi Arabia, a time interested in Olympique de Marseille, will he acquire another French club?
Since its acquisition in 2019 by the British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, the OGC Nice dreamed of a destiny at the height of the displayed ambition. Investments, European ambitions, promise of a sustainable project … The French Riviera club hoped to mingle with the fight with the championship cadors. But five years later, the project appears to be hesitant and a page seems ready to turn.
And it was the boss of the Niçois who confirmed all of this. Jim Ratcliffe has mandated a business bank, Lazard, to probe the market and find a buyer for the gym. Total or partial, whatever: the boss of ineos wants to move on, and quickly. In line of sight: his new obsession, Manchester United, where he now holds 25 % of the capital.
“They were better without us”
Not really discreet, the British businessman no longer hides it. “”I don’t particularly like going to see Nice because there are good players, but the level of football is not high enough for me to enthuse myself “, He said last March, before driving the nail:” The best season in Nice is the one where we have not been authorized to get involved due to the rules of multi -ownership. They were so much better without our interference! »
A manifest disinterest that prompted the Aiglons to consider a new strategic turn. And among the potential buyers, a name arises … to the airs of deja vu.
The shadow of the pif hangs on the French Riviera
After The informedthe Sovereign Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) would follow the file very closely. The same who already owns Newcastle in the Premier League. The same that has long been associated with a possible acquisition of Olympique de Marseille. But this time, it is Nice who stirs up lusts.
If no offer has been made at this stage, the interest is “serious“, According to the media. Information which, by itself, is enough to make the sponsor of the Allianz Riviera shiver … and could well make a few teeth on the side of the Old Port.
Is the Saudi project in Ligue 1 finally materializing? Will the gym become the front door to a new era of French football? Case to follow very, very close.
To summarize
The OGC Nice, bought in 2019 by Jim Ratcliffe, is on sale. The Saudi sovereign fund (PIF) would be interested, after being linked to Olympique de Marseille. No offer has yet been made, but the interest is serious.
