City may buy Chinese club

Manchester City’s owners are exploring the possibility of buying a Chinese club as part of their global expansion plans.   As well as bringing commercial benefits, it could also be a talent pool for young players.

China is considered a difficult market to navigate and owning a club there would help that process.  The club will also benefit from its new partnership with China Media Capital (CMC) and CITIC Capital. Ruigang Li, the CMC Chairman and one of China’s leading media barons, is to join the City Football Group board.

Manchester City’s owners are exploring the possibility of buying a Chinese club as part of their global expansion plans.   As well as bringing commercial benefits, it could also be a talent pool for young players.

China is considered a difficult market to navigate and owning a club there would help that process.  The club will also benefit from its new partnership with China Media Capital (CMC) and CITIC Capital. Ruigang Li, the CMC Chairman and one of China’s leading media barons, is to join the City Football Group board.

Manchester City is now becoming a global brand to rival Manchester United, even though they are still some way behind in terms of commercial operations.  However, the valuation of City Football Group is now roughly the same as the market capitalisation of Manchester United.

Dan Jones of Deloitte says that Chinese investors may now bid for full ownership of a few Premiership and Championship clubs.