Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who is attempting to buy out Manchester United, will be hoping to close the financial gap between the Reds and Manchester City if he gains control at Old Trafford.
According to reports this week from Qatar, Sheikh Jassim is almost done signing a transfer to United. The Sheikh allegedly held “successful talks” with the decision-makers at Old Trafford.
The Reds’ stock price skyrocketed in the wake of this news and is currently sitting at $23.05 per share. This is often interpreted as positive news for Sheikh Jassim, who wants to acquire the entire club as opposed to rival Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who wants to buy the Glazers’ stock. Unlike Ratcliffe’s bid, which would take time to take effect, Jassim’s bid advancement would have an instantaneous impact on the stock price.
These recent revelations have excited United supporters as it indicates that the takeover process is about to come to a close. What is Sheikh Jassim’s estimated net worth, though, if he were to take over the club?
Although his father, Qatari Prime Minister Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, is featured on the Forbes website, it is unclear what exactly his net worth is. He is reportedly valued $1.2 billion (£892 million).
This amount is far less than City owner Sheikh Mansour’s estimated wealth, which is roughly $16.8 billion (£13.3 billion). Sheikh Jassim’s family is thought to be worth £275 billion collectively, despite the fact that their wealth is not comparable on an individual basis.
United’s Premier League opponents also have owners with lower net worths than Sheikh Mansour. Stan Kroenke of Arsenal is valued at $12.9 billion (£10.2 billion), while Todd Boehly of Chelsea is worth $5.3 billion (£4.2 billion).
Their wealth, meanwhile, is little compared to the Saudi Arabian ownership of Newcastle United. The principal owner of the club, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is thought to be valued $620 billion (£514 billion).