Southampton could become the next Premier League team to "receive Chinese investment, should construction company Lander Sports Development succeed in buying a stake in the club," according to Ed Malyon of the London INDEPENDENT. Lander, whose "interest in Southampton was rumoured last year, told the Shenzhen stock exchange in a statement that it had struck a deal" with Saints Owner Katharina Liebherr to buy into the club's holding company, "without disclosing any terms." Southampton released a statement via Liebherr. She said, "Please understand that I can only make limited comments regarding this process but I can assure you that any steps we do take will be in the best interests of the club" (
INDEPENDENT, 1/26). In London, Sam Wallace reported Liebherr told fans that she "will not put in jeopardy" the club's "remarkable success of recent years should she sell a stake in the club to Chinese investors." The investment, if it is agreed, is "expected to be used to bolster Saints’ financial position" -- the club is "already arguably the best run club in the top-flight." Under the Liebherrs’ ownership over the last seven years, Southampton has "risen from League One to finish sixth in the Premier League last season," further establishing itself as a "production line" for young British talent and also "masters of the transfer market." Liebherr inherited the club from her father, Markus, the Swiss businessman "who died unexpectedly" in '10 at the age of 62 (
TELEGRAPH, 1/26). Also in London, Mick Gadd reported Lander Sports Development is "best known for building stadiums around China." Southampton, currently 11th in the EPL, "would join" Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion, Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers as English clubs that now have Chinese investors. Reports of Lander's interest in Southampton "began swirling last year" with one report claiming the company wanted to buy control of the club for about £200M ($252M) (
DAILY MIRROR, 1/26). SKY SPORTS reported Lander Sports Development "started out life as a property development company" but has "branched out" into sport in the last 12 months. However, the Chinese government is reportedly "concerned at companies investing in overseas clubs, which could lead to restrictions" (
SKY SPORTS, 1/26). REUTERS' Goh & Jennings reported Chinese entities and individuals have "ploughed" more than $3B into overseas football investments "over the past year or so, encouraged by avid fan President Xi Jinping" (
REUTERS, 1/26).
