Dr Dan: Aston Villa set for ‘global exposure’ as £239m mega-deal all but done
Aston Villa will gain “global exposure” if Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris are successful in their bid to launch an MLS franchise.
So says finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Villa co-owners’ multi-club master plan.
As per Birmingham Live last Tuesday (7 December), Edens and Sawiris are closing in on a £239million deal for the license for a Las Vegas-based outfit.
The pair are understood to have filed a trademark for ‘Las Vegas Villains’, which would suggest a connection with Villa beyond the funding source.
Plumley explains the merits of the multi-club model and how it could give Villa a leg-up in their marketing department.
“I think the two entities would be kept separate,” the Sheffield Hallam University expert told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“There would obviously be a link, but you would separate them out. If you’re going down this route, you’re looking to diversify your business portfolio.
“This grows the brand and gains global exposure. Look at the rise of the MLS. People are now jumping on the bandwagon. It’s a big league in its own right.
“You can also look at optimising operations in terms of player development and talent.
“There is fierce competition to get access to top talent and the multi-club method is one way to do that.
“We also have to be mindful that it is challenging and complex because you’re running businesses in different jurisdictions.
“You need a real vision and strategy. You have to drive it that way. Do you have a flagship club or do you have everybody equal across the portfolio?
“You would argue that Villa would be a primary club, but that isn’t necessarily the case. But these are challenges, not deterrents.”
Villa are 13th in the league table going into their clash with bottom-place Norwich City tonight (14 December).
They have won three of their five matches under new manager Steven Gerrard.
In other news, Aston Villa expert predicts XI to face Norwich City.