Amanda Staveley ‘in talks to buy stake in Newcastle’s Premier League rivals valued at £2.2BILLION’ after she and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi sold their six per cent stake in the Magpies
Former Newcastle director Amanda Staveley is reportedly interested in investing in one of the Magpies’ biggest rivals.
Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghoudouss played an influential role in the £305m takeover of the company in 2021, but stepped down earlier this week.
Staveley and Ghoudoussi are also said to be pursuing other business interests and their six percent stake in the club has been bought by PIF and the Reuben family.
Despite her almost three-year affiliation with the Magpies, Staveley is keen to buy shares in another Premier League club – according to Bloomberg.
She has reportedly held talks over the possibility of investing in Tottenham after raising £500m through her investment fund PCP Capital Partners.
Amanda Staveley is reportedly interested in investing in one of the Magpies’ biggest rivals
Staveley (left) and her husband Mehrdad Ghoudoussi (right) recently left Newcastle
As it stands now, according to ForbesTottenham Hotspur is valued at $2.8 billion, which is equivalent to approximately £2.2 billion.
Daniel Levy, who was appointed Tottenham chairman in 2001, is believed to be open to selling part of the club.
Levy said in an interview with Bloomberg News last year: “I have no desire to leave Tottenham, but I have a duty to consider anything anyone might propose.”
Staveley brokered the £305m takeover of Mike Ashley in 2021. She and Ghodoussi acted as de facto CEOs and sporting directors during the new Newcastle’s early months.
They appointed Eddie Howe as manager, signed players such as Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier and avoided relegation in their first season.
In the second season, Newcastle reached the Champions League for the first time in 20 years and reached the final of the Carabao Cup.
The Premier League giants also broke the club’s transfer record with the £63million signing of Swedish striker Alexander Isak.
It is believed that Daniel Levy (above) – who was appointed Tottenham chairman in 2001 – would be open to selling part of the club
The couple has been the public figure of the club owners since 2021
Staveley called Newcastle a ‘special and unique club’ in her farewell statement
But their declining stakes always meant it was likely that at some point they would sell their shares and focus on a new business.
The club confirmed her departure with the following statement: ‘Newcastle United Football Club today announces that an agreement has been reached to change its ownership structure.
‘PIF and RB Sports & Media will increase their shareholding in Newcastle United as part of the long-term plan to further develop the club and establish it as a consistent, credible competitor in domestic and European competitions.
‘As part of this structural change, PIF and RB Sports & Media will jointly acquire PCP Capital Partners’ shares in the club and Amanda Staveley will step down from all her roles at Newcastle United.
‘After that, the new shareholder structure will see PIF own approximately 85% of the club and RB Sports & Media own the remaining 15% of the club. These structural changes are expected to be completed in July 2024.
‘PIF, RB Sports & Media and the Newcastle United Board would like to thank Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi for the significant role they have played in the acquisition of the Club and for their dedication to developing the framework for long-term success over the past two and a half years.’
Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan said: “Amanda and Mehrdad have our deepest thanks and well-wishes forever as they focus on their other business interests.
‘Since 2021 we have achieved so much together, including Champions League football in our first full season as managers of this incredible club.
‘The ownership group, together with CEO Darren Eales and the club’s management team, will continue to build on these foundations to deliver long-term sustainable success for the team and our fantastic fans and we are excited about the future prospects for Newcastle United.’
Staveley and her husband are now said to be pursuing other business interests
Staveley said: ‘Newcastle United is such a special, unique club and it is an honour to be a part-owner of Newcastle United.
‘Mehrdad and I have enjoyed being part of this club and community and are incredibly proud of the progress Newcastle United has made in recent years.
‘Our ambition has always been for the great fans of this club: to create consistently successful teams that regularly compete for major trophies and generate pride worldwide.
“We are grateful to have played our part in setting the club up for even greater future success. We will remain fans for life.”