The Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer has mooted stakes in a possible purchase of Danish club Aalborg BK.
Sources close to the matter informed Bloomberg that the US club is among many possible supporters of a deal being arranged by SSE22. It is a Hamburg-based firm run by Thomas Hitzlsperger, a former German player.
SSE22 now has a 22% percent share in Aalborg BK, which they said in March would be increased to 50.5%. A representative from the Philadelphia Union said this deal expands the international options for the MLS club.
“We are always evaluating international opportunities and possible partnerships to expand our sporting bandwidth and expertise.”
Real estate magnate Jay Sugarman owns the American team; nonetheless, SSE22’s spokesperson chose not to comment.
Philadelphia Union begins multi-club model with Aalborg
Investments from Major League Soccer clubs into other clubs from across the globe have been uncommon. By contrast, the proliferation of American owners throughout European soccer is rampant. Instead, the so-called multi-club model has often revolved around a flagship club like Manchester City.
However, Philadelphia’s investment in Aalborg is not the first time an MLS club has linked with clubs from Europe. As part of its strategy to expand internationally, LAFC took majority ownership in the Swiss club Grasshopper Club Zurich.
Aalborg BK started in 1885 by English railroad workers stationed in Denmark. The team is in the city of the same name and has won four national titles. It is nearing promotion back into the top flight after suffering relegation last season.
To invest in and contribute to the development of Aalborg, Hitzlsperger and five other Germans established SSE22. Aalborg will get $6.6 million from the new share issuance, as previously stated.
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Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/philadelphia-union-in-discussions-to-buy-troubled-danish-club
Author : Martina Alcheva
Publish date : 2024-04-10 17:16:20
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