Inter Miami part owners set for Real Zaragoza acquisition
- Takeover subject to state approval and club avoiding relegation from LaLiga 2
- New owners will reportedly take on club’s €70m debt and invest €20m into club
Real Zaragoza are set to sell a 51 per cent ownership stake to an investment group led by Jorge and Jose Mas Santos – the part-owners of Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Inter Miami – the Spanish second tier soccer club have confirmed.
The consortium investing in the LaLiga 2 outfit also includes Gustavo Serpa, chairman of Columbian team Millonarios, Racing Lens president Joseph Oughourlian, as well as investors Jim Carpenter and Jim Miller.
Zaragoza said in a statement that the takeover is subject to two conditions: the club must avoid relegation this season and that the sale is approved by the Spanish state’s Higher Sports Council (HSC). Los Maños are currently 11th in LaLiga 2 and 16 points clear of the relegation places with seven games left to play.
In an open letter to fans, Jorge Mas said the new owners will aim to reduce the Aragon-based team’s debts, as well as assess the need to renovate Zaragoza’s infrastructure and update the club’s digital strategy. Mas asked the fans for patience, but said the new owners will actively target returning Zaragoza to the top flight.
While no fee for the stake has been made public, Spanish sports outlet Marca previously reported that the incoming owners will take on Zaragoza’s debt of €70 million (US$76.4 million) and will invest €20 million (US$21.8 million) into the club.
The move will also see Raúl Sanllehí become Zaragoza’s new general director. The 55-year-old has previously worked at European clubs Barcelona and Arsenal, as well as having stints with the game’s global governing body Fifa.
Jorge Mas also discussed the takeover with the Miami Herald in February, revealing that he would look for opportunities to develop players through the multi-club model.
“We’re always looking at opportunities to expand the Inter Miami footprint in terms of player development,” Mas said. “Everything that has motivated David [Beckham] and I to look at potential partnerships or investments with clubs overseas has always been how we can better the Inter Miami roster.
“This is our flagship in Miami. Having relationships and ownership in different clubs gives you platforms for youth. What an amazing experience for maybe some of our academy players to go through a hopefully LaLiga team and vice versa.”
