The £100 million sale of Sheffield United to American businessmen Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy has hit a significant roadblock, with current owner Prince Abdullah refusing to sign off on the deal.
The pair have cleared all necessary hurdles with the EFL, yet Prince Abdullah’s hesitation is delaying the final agreement.
Who Are the Prospective Buyers?
Rosen, an Ohio-based financier and co-founder of Resilience Capital Partners, along with Eltoukhy, CEO of Guardant Health, lead the consortium eager to take charge of the Championship club. Their bid is fully funded, and they do not require additional partners to inject capital into the club. Plans have already been drawn up to provide financial backing to manager Chris Wilder, ensuring support for the club’s promotion push.
The consortium’s commitment was evident earlier this month when they attended Sheffield United’s Steel City derby win against Sheffield Wednesday. Marvel film director Joe Russo, a friend of Rosen, was also present at Bramall Lane, though he is not part of the group.
What’s at Stake?
Sheffield United currently sit level with Sunderland at the top of the Championship, and Rosen and Eltoukhy believe time is running out to provide Wilder with the resources needed to strengthen the squad in January. Delaying the sale could jeopardise the club’s push for promotion.
Prince Abdullah acquired full control of Sheffield United in 2019 following a protracted legal battle with former co-owner Kevin McCabe. Although he has been actively seeking a buyer, his reluctance to finalise this deal risks undermining the stability that Rosen and Eltoukhy aim to bring to the club.
How Are Sheffield United Doing?
The Blades are performing strongly in the Championship, currently sitting in second place with 31 points from 15 matches, trailing leaders Sunderland only on goal difference. Their recent form has been impressive, securing consecutive victories: a 2-0 win against Blackburn Rovers on November 2, followed by a 2-1 triumph over Bristol City on November 5, and a vital 1-0 victory in the Steel City derby against Sheffield Wednesday on November 10. These results have bolstered their promotion aspirations as they approach the mid-season mark.
However, many fans will see progress in the takeover as fundamental to this season’s success.
Writer’s View
The delay in Sheffield United’s takeover is as puzzling as it is concerning. Prince Abdullah’s indecision could stall the momentum the Blades have built under Chris Wilder. With the club on the brink of a Premier League return, this saga risks not only financial instability but also missing a critical opportunity for long-term growth.
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