Beckham edges closer to Miami MLS franchise after Chicago powwow with Garber
August 3 – After almost four years in the making, David Beckham’s dream of heading a new MLS team in Miami has moved a vital step closer to reality.
Finance
William Hill profits plummet. Ladbrokes gets close to the action with Sheffield United deal
By Paul Nicholson
August 3 – The battle for Britain’s punters is well and truly on. Bookmaker William Hill has promised a social media onslaught to win customers after first half profits fell 7% to £93.5 million on turnover of £837 million. Meanwhile, rival Ladbrokes was setting up for this weekend’s start of the Championship season, becoming Sheffield United’s Official Stadium Betting partner.
Neymar’s big money PSG entrance nears as deal set to close on his €222m Barca exit
August 2 – Despite concerns over financial fair play, Barcelona forward Neymar’s world record €222 million transfer to Paris St-Germain has moved to the brink of completion after he was formally given permission to move according to Spanish and French reports.
Stick or twist? Lander deadline to buy Saints expires leaving next move to Liebherr
By Paul Nicholson
August 1 – The acquisition of majority ownership of Premier League Southampton by Chinese construction business Lander Sports has hit a new roadblock, though it was probably always the same one.
PSG close in on €222m Neymar, but will FFP throttle the club a second time?
By Andrew Warshaw
July 31 – Despite concerns over how they would avoid falling foul of UEFA’s strict financial fair play rules, Paris Saint-Germain are expected to imminently announce they have agreed to buy Neymar from Barcelona for a world record €222 million.
Chelsea look to banks to secure £500m loan for stadium rebuild
July 28 – Chelsea have opened discussions with banks about loan finance to rebuild their Stamford Bridge stadium. The stadium is estimated to cost £500 million to rebuild, but like Tottenham Hotspur’s rebuild of White Hart Lane, that cost is expected to rise.
Balancing the books: Chinese Super League clubs says they have cleared debts
July 27 – Ten of the 13 Chinese Super League clubs threatened with being banned next season say they have cleared their debts.
National League Woking attracts Korean acquisition interest
July 27 – Foreign investment interest in English clubs is not confined to the Premier League and Championship, but there is growing interest in opportunities provided by clubs in the National League, the fifth tier of English football.
Chinese Super League clubs set for ‘significant’ revenue growth as stadia improved
By Paul Nicholson
July 26 – A study by Football Benchmark of the commercial revenue opportunity for the Chinese Super League concludes that even though the focus is on big money transfers and grassroots development, there is significant room for revenue growth for clubs in the more traditional areas of business.
Spurs boss Levy sceptical of sustainability of big transfer spenders
By Andrew Warshaw
July 26 – While most of the leading clubs in the English Premier League have gone on a massive pre-season spending spree, one of them, Tottenham Hotspur, have been conspicuous by their lack of activity in the transfer window.
Lukaku for £303m, Pogba for £415m – the cost of doing business in 2027?
July 25 – Forget Neymar for £200 million, Romelu Lukaku would cost £303 million if transferred in the 2027/28 season. Paul Pogba would cost £415.23 million in 10 years time.
Rangers set to survive SPFL sanction over tax fraud case
July 25 – In a move that seems bound to antagonise fans of other clubs, Scotland’s Professional Football League (SPFL) is set to announce that no new action will be taken over the controversial Rangers tax case.
Saints £210m sale stalls as Liebherr has ‘second thoughts’
July 24 – The long awaited completion of the sale of Premier League Southampton to Chinese construction firm Lander is apparently being delayed by Saints owner Katharina Liebherr who is reported to have had second thoughts on the sale.
Barcelona post €708m record revenues and profit of €18m
By Paul Nicholson
July 19 – FC Barcelona have announced record income of €708 million for the 2016/17 season. This is an increase of €29 million on the €679 million posted the previous year which was also a club record.
ICC opens its US summer season with Roma vs PSG ahead of the Manchester derby
July 19 – Tonight the fifth edition of the International Champions Cup (ICC) kicks off in Detroit, USA, with Roma playing Paris St Germain. Tomorrow Manchester City and United replicate their local derby in Houston. The ICC may lack more than a little sporting integrity but it does deliver the biggest club names.