Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani has reportedly emerged as the winner in the battle to buy Manchester United, according to reports from Qatar.
The bid by Sheikh Jassim, worth around £5 billion, is said to be for complete ownership of the club. His rival, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, had offered to acquire around 60 percent of the club through his company Ineos. The Sheikh's chances were boosted when an improved offer was submitted last week.
Qatari newspaper Al-Watan, owned by his father and the former Prime Minister of Qatar, announced on Twitter that Sheikh Jassim's takeover bid had been successful and that an official announcement would follow soon. If confirmed, Ratcliffe will have fallen short in his attempt to purchase the club he has supported throughout his life.
The Glazer family, the current owners of Manchester United, may still remain involved for a specific period under Sheikh Jassim's proposal. This development marks the conclusion of a seven-month-long takeover saga, which began when the Glazers announced their willingness to sell the club in November, coinciding with Cristiano Ronaldo's departure.