Gareth Bale group’s ‘derisory’ Cardiff takeover bid to be rejected by Vincent Tan
Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan appears to have already decided on a takeover bid from an American consortium fronted by Gareth Bale.
Supporters are extremely unhappy with the 73-year-old’s running of the club after being relegated from the Championship last term, much like the backlash Dejphon Chansiri is facing at Sheffield Wednesday.
The Bluebirds finished bottom of the Championship table last season, winning just nine of their 46 matches, joined by Luton Town and Plymouth Argyle in the relegation zone.
Aaron Ramsey ended the season as Cardiff’s caretaker manager after replacing Omer Riza, who had been appointed after Erol Bulut went six games without a victory.
Speaking to Football Insider, finance expert Dan Plumley suggested that any Cardiff takeover could cost up to £50million, but even that might not be enough for the US investors fronted by Bale.
Vincent Tan to reject Gareth Bale’s takeover approach
According to The Times (3 July), Tan is expected to reject the £40million takeover bid submitted by a consortium fronted by Bale, who is a much-loved figure in the Capital.
The 35-year-old is being backed by US investors, but Tan and his colleagues reportedly view the £40m as a “derisory” offer due to the Bluebirds’ fall to the third tier of English football last season.
It is understood that the Malaysian billionaire has invested over £200m into the club since his own takeover deal in May 2010, and the owner has already indicated his unwillingness to sell to the former Real Madrid forward and his partners.
Cardiff City face uncertain future under Vincent Tan
Football Insider verdict
It is an extremely dark time for those at the Cardiff City Stadium, especially after the club’s descent to the third tier of English football for the first time in 20 years.
Bale and his investors have made no secret of their desire to purchase Cardiff, and supporters have certainly made no secret of their wish for this exact event to take place as soon as possible.
Once a stable Championship team, often fighting for a spot in the Premier League but never managing to remain in the division, the Bluebirds are clearly in the wrong hands.
Amidst all of the chaos, Football Insider understood in May that Karl Robinson was in contention to become Cardiff manager ahead of next season, though Brian Barry-Murphy has now been appointed.
The 46-year-old’s main experience has come in the Man City academy over the last few years, but despite this, it is a good sign that the ship is no longer without a captain for next season.
Next up, Tan needs to find a new buyer for Cardiff City, but with a decision already made on the £40m bid, Bale and his investors will need to return with an improved offer this summer.