Controversial Sampdoria owner Massimo Ferrero has agreed to officially sell the club to Leeds United majority shareholder Andrea Radrizzani and Matteo Manfredi.
The club’s board of directors received the go-ahead late on Monday evening to approve the immediate capital increase that Radrizzani and Manfredi promise to provide, which includes €10-12m for immediate investment and a further €30m put aside for the future.
A deal in principle had been agreed in the early hours of Saturday morning, but Ferrero’s final approval had been required before the deal was allowed to move forwards.
The takeover, however, was not completed in time to avoid a -4 point deduction at the beginning of the 2023-24 Serie B campaign, due to the fact that the club still owes millions in back wages to members of the playing and coaching staff.
However, the timing of the deal is crucial for Sampdoria nonetheless, as the club could have been heading towards bankruptcy without major and immediate financial investment.
In a press release on Monday evening, Radrizzani wrote: “It was a real battle, but we can finally say that we have made it . We are nothing short of thrilled to be able to announce that we have completed the acquisition of this extraordinary club. Samp’s history and badge are safe and my happiness extends to all of those who have suffered for these club colours.
“From today we move on, and I personally can’t wait to get to work.”
Manfredi added: “There were moments when we thought we had reached the limit. But the determination and the belief that we can reach an agreement have never gone away.
“We are tired, happy, but keen to do the best we can for this club and its supporters.”
Speaking to Telenord, Ferrero also shared his thoughts on the deal, noting: “I sold Sampdoria. I haven’t ‘touched the ball’ for 18 months and the mistakes weren’t made by me.
“I did good for the club, I decided with my heart and for the people. I’m just saying that one day you might regret me. Good luck to Andrea Radrizzani, who is a football man.”