Multiple sources report Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has withdrawn his bid to purchase Manchester United, so businessman Thomas Ziliacus urges him to ‘join forces and buy a top Italian club’ – specifically Inter.
The negotiations for a takeover of Manchester United have been dragging on for months, as many are starting to believe the Glazer family do not really intend to sell at all.
Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim had bid a reported £5bn, but when talks broke down, he withdrew from the process, leaving only Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the running to buy a minority share.
In the early days of the process, Ziliacus had also been one of those investigating a bid for Manchester United, but he has in recent months been focused on approaching Serie A side Inter.
He made an intriguing and very public statement on the matter this evening via X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Happy to see you have come to the same conclusion I came to a few months ago. Now let’s join forces and buy a top Italian club and make it the best in the world!”
Ziliacus added a series of hashtags, including #SerieA and #Nerazzurri – confirming he was referring to Inter.
Current Inter owners Suning were only able to keep Inter going with the aid of a high-interest loan from Oaktree Capital and that will become due in April 2024.
It is increasingly likely they will have to sell at least some of the shares before then to raise funds, although the Zhang family seem eager to maintain a controlling stake.