- 41 minutes ago
Qatar plan to build Europe's biggest multi-club network with Man Utd and PSG
Cameron Smith
- 27 Mar 2023 22:44 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United could join forces with Paris Saint-Germain and Sporting Braga to form Europe's biggest multi-club network if Qatar Sports Investments win the takeover race at Old Trafford.
The Glazer family are yet to decide who will succeed them as owners of the club, but a group led by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani increased their offer to buy Manchester United in full amid competition from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
If the Red Devils are placed under Qatari ownership, then the plan to place Man Utd at the top of a multi-club footballing network will begin.
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That is according to the Daily Record, who have reported that plans have already been drawn up in expectation of the Qatar Sports Investments taking over.
They company already own Ligue 1 giants PSG, while they have a controlling stake in Braga. It's understood that the Portuguese club would act as a stepping stone for players from Europe and South America to hone their craft before moving up the multi-club network to Man Utd or PSG.
Malaga could also join the network after QSI chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi revealed his desire in taking control of the second-tier Spanish club. He said: "We’re looking for opportunities, they’re a fantastic club and they’re in a difficult situation right now. If there is an opportunity, why not?”
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If the Qatari company are successful in their effort to buy Man Utd, then the multi-club network will immediately overtake its competitors.
What are some examples of other multi-club networks?
Manchester City are at the tip of the Abu Dhabi led City Football Group, with Girona, Troyes, New York City, Melbourne City, Yokohama F. Marinos, Montevideo City Torque, Mumbai City, Sichuan Juiniu and Lommel SK completing the network. Club Bolivar are also a partner club.
The Red Bull Group are also prominent, with RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg and New York Red Bulls all owned by the energy drink company.
However, having two football powerhouses in Man Utd and PSG would cement the Qatari's planned network as the biggest in both Europe and world football.
