Former Real Madrid Player Sergio Ramos has today confirmed the purchase of Top 4 La Liga club for a whooping sum of $1b!
Sergio Ramos is leading a €400m bid to buy his boyhood club Sevilla, alongside foreign investors. The 39-year-old, a free agent, would be the public face of the takeover, aiming to acquire 100% of the club. An American fund is involved, and the bid is subject to an audit of Sevilla’s debt, estimated at €180m.
Uncertainty Over Debt Valuation
The bid’s success hinges on the valuation of Sevilla’s debt, with uncertainty surrounding a €108m loan from CVC Capital Partners. Sevilla doesn’t consider this loan, described as ‘participatory’, as debt, and neither does La Liga. However, the bidders are seeking clarity on this issue, which is causing uncertainty over the bid’s value.
Financial Challenges
Sevilla’s finances have worsened significantly in recent years, with €81.8m losses in 2023-24 and a €108m loan organised by Goldman Sachs in March 2024. The club’s financial struggles are a major concern for potential investors, and the bid is likely to take time to finalise.
Ownership Structure
Sevilla’s ownership is split among several groups and families, including the Del Nido family (24%), the Sevillistas de Nervion group (22%), former club president Rafael Carrion (15%), and Sevillistas Unidos 2020 (15%). The current ownership structure may be affected by the takeover bid, and it’s unclear how the different stakeholders will respond to the offer.
Sergio Ramos’s Connection to Sevilla
Ramos made his first team debut for Sevilla in February 2004 and played over 600 games for the club before joining Real Madrid in 2005. He returned to Sevilla in September 2023, after spending two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain. Ramos’s connection to the club is a significant factor in the bid, and his involvement is seen as a major coup for the potential new owners.
Potential Implications
If the bid is successful, Ramos could be eligible to play for Sevilla this season, as Spanish rules dictate that a player may not play for a club while operating as an owner. However, the deal is likely to take time to finalise, and it’s unclear how the takeover will affect the club’s plans for the rest of the season.
