Former Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov is reportedly interested in buying Charlton Athletic as Ronald Duchatelet’s reign as owner comes to an end.
Duchatelet has this week described investing in football as a mistake, saying: “My conclusion is that the recipes from the business world are totally unsuccessful in football. It was a mistake. The football business doesn’t suit me. Too irrational.”
He’s reportedly wanting £20m for the club that he bought for a similar sum four years ago. The Addicks are thought to be losing £10m a year, and the situation has seen supporters demonstrate at various times against his tenure.
Usmanov recently sold his share in the Gunners for £600m to Stan Kroenke, which equated to a 30% stake. That completed the American’s takeover of the club, brought about by a falling out between him and Usmanov.
The Uzbekistan billionaire had been linked with Everton through his business partner Farhad Moshiri, but it seems he is now targeting taking complete control of the struggling Addicks.
They’re 10th in League One and have recently confirmed Lee Bowyer as the permanent manager after a successful spell as caretaker manager
Our View
This would be wonderful news for Charlton fans. Duchatelet’s time at the helm has been an unmitigated disaster which the club have battled bravely against. They’re currently fighting in League One in spite of the owner as well as because of him.
If he does sell up to Usmanov there could be better times around the corner as the former Arsenal man’s personal wealth is extensive.
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