Finance guru: Internal power struggle may be raging at Sunderland as takeover news emerges
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus may be aiming to become majority shareholder at Sunderland because of an internal power struggle behind the scenes.
That is the view of finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about what a full Louis-Dreyfus takeover would mean for the Black Cats.
Louis-Dreyfus bought 41 per cent of the club in February 2021, although his total stake was not revealed until earlier this year.
The remaining equity is owned by three members of the previous Madrox regime – Stewart Donald, Juan Sartori and Charlie Methven.
The Sunderland Echo reported earlier this month that (13 May) Louis-Dreyfus is keen to buy out the other shareholders and that £11.7million could seal the deal.
Plumley suggests that the 25-year-old businessman may want full control to avoid “resistance” from the co-owners.
“Probably not too much would change on a day-to-day basis,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“A lot of fans were under the impression that he was calling the shots anyway. It comes down to decision making. A majority shareholder has the power.
“If he is calling the shots internally anyway, not a lot would change. But maybe it is the case that he is trying to call the shots but it is being met with resistance because of the way the shares are split.
“That would be a reason to buy more to take you over the majority. Obviously, that is a more attractive option after promotion as well.”
Sunderland were promoted to the Championship after a 2-0 play-off final victory over Wycombe Wanderers last Saturday (21 May).
The win signalled the end of a four-season stay in League One.
In other news, Sunderland make contact over signing Oxford star Alex Gorrin