Ramos plots sensational Sevilla takeover with £340m bid
Former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos is fronting a foreign investment group with a €400m offer to buy his boyhood club Sevilla FC.
Former Sevilla academy product and Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos is leading a consortium of foreign investors preparing a €400 million bid to purchase Sevilla FC.
Ramos Returns With Deep Pockets
The Spanish defender, who only just finished his stint at Mexican side Monterrey after a brief homecoming to Sevilla last season, isn’t just looking for his next playing contract. The 37-year-old appears to have grander ambitions altogether - becoming the face of Sevilla’s new ownership structure.
According to reports from The Athletic, Ramos wouldn’t be the primary financial backer in this takeover attempt, but would serve as the public figurehead of a consortium that includes American investment funds. The bid reportedly values the club at approximately €400 million (roughly £340m) for 100% ownership.
I’ve got to say, this would be a proper Bobby Dazzler of a story if it comes off. Ramos returning to buy the club where he started his career would be box office stuff.
Debt Complications
The proposal comes with some significant caveats, however. The valuation is subject to external auditing of Sevilla’s current debt situation, with particular focus on how the CVC Capital Partners loan from 2021 is classified.
This loan, taken by most La Liga clubs including Sevilla, presents the main sticking point. While the club and La Liga don’t consider it formal debt, potential buyers might see it differently. Any reclassification could significantly impact the final purchase price.
Competition For Control
Ramos’ consortium isn’t the only group eyeing up the Andalusian outfit. Their bid is reportedly one of three offers currently on the table:
- Ramos’ €400m consortium bid
- Another foreign investment group (currently on pause after due diligence)
- The so-called “Third Way” proposal from Lappí and Quintero
Financial Restructuring Concerns
One potential roadblock is that the €400m would cover only the “enterprise value” of Sevilla, without including additional capital injection to clean up the club’s finances. This approach conflicts with Sevilla’s apparent desire to use any ownership change as an opportunity to strengthen their financial position and return to sporting success.
For a club with six Europa League titles to their name, but currently languishing in mid-table, the right ownership structure could be crucial to their future prospects.