QSI in advanced negotiations to acquire Sampdoria with Andrea Radrizzani

L’Équipe report that Qatari Sports Investments, the owner of Ligue 1 leaders PSG, are in advanced negotiations to acquire Serie A club Sampdoria from Massimo Ferrero, as they continue to build out a multi-club project.

A stake in Sampdoria would follow a deal struck in November last year to acquire a minority stake in Portuguese 1st division outfit SL Braga.

The Nasser Al-Khelaifi-led entity is not going to acquire Sampdoria on their own, in the event that the bid that they are currently a part of is successful. They have decided to partner with ASER Ventures, owned by current majority shareholder in Premier League club Leeds United, in order to complete the deal.

Radrizzani would be taking majority control of Samp, with QSI attaining a minority investment in the outfit. There are additionally murmurings, according to the report, that QSI would be willing in the medium and long-term to invest in Leeds.

The Radrizzani-QSI bid for Sampdoria faces one other serious competitor at this stage, although their identity has yet to filter through. However, both the Italian businessman and the Doha-based entity are confident that they will win out, on the basis of discussions that have been ongoing for several weeks.

QSI are also discussing an acquisition of Málaga and taking a minority stake in Brazilian side Santos.

James Thorpe | GFFN