[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Reports have emerged that the US big tech company Apple is showing interest in acquiring Manchester United (Man Utd), an English Premier League (EPL) club.
The British newspaper Daily Star reported on the 24th (local time) that Apple is interested in acquiring Man Utd. This came just two days after the current club owner, the American Glazer family, announced the start of the sale process. The expected acquisition amount reaches ?5.8 billion (approximately 9.4 trillion KRW).
Apple has already expressed interest in discussing a deal to acquire Man Utd, and CEO Tim Cook is also reviewing the potential effects of the acquisition, the media explained.
Daily Star added that Apple plans to build the world's best stadium after acquiring Man Utd. Amid criticism that the current owner, the Glazer family, has neglected Old Trafford, Man Utd’s home ground, there is growing expectation that the acquisition by a global big tech company could lead to the construction of a world-class stadium.
If Apple acquires Man Utd for ?5.8 billion, Man Utd is expected to become the most expensive club in the world. Todd Boehly, co-owner of the MLB’s LA Dodgers, reportedly bid up to ?4 billion when acquiring Chelsea in May.
Apple has never operated a professional sports club before. However, from next year, AppleTV will exclusively broadcast the US Major League Soccer (MLS) as part of its AppleTV business. Additionally, in July, Apple participated in bidding for the broadcasting rights of the NFL, the most popular sport in the US.
Daily Star stated, "If Apple acquires Man Utd, it could use much more funds than Manchester City or Newcastle."
Besides Apple, others interested in Man Utd have also expressed their intention to join the acquisition battle. Saudi Arabia’s Sports Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, said in an interview with BBC Sport UK on the same day, "I cannot speak on behalf of the private sector, but there is tremendous interest and passion for football," adding that if the Saudi private sector participates in the acquisition of Man Utd and Liverpool, they would actively support it.
Saudi Arabia acquired another EPL club, Newcastle, last October through a consortium led by the sovereign wealth fund (PIF).
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