April 25, (THEWILL) – Valenciennes FC, a French football club, founded in 1913, is reportedly close to being acquired by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.
According to sources monitored by THEWILL, the Nigerian billionaire is expected to initially purchase the 60% stake held by the Eddy Zdziech family and could later take full control of the club. The deal would mark Dangote’s first foray into European football ownership, after failed attempts to acquire Arsenal in the past.
Valenciennes FC has spent 40 seasons in Ligue 1 and 36 seasons in Ligue 2 but has never won the first division. The club has, however, won Ligue 2 twice and the Championnat National and the Championnat de France amateur in 2005 and 1998, respectively.
Notable former players of the club include Cameroon’s Roger Milla, Argentina’s Jorge Burruchaga, and France’s Jean-Pierre Papin. Currently, Valenciennes are 15th in the Ligue 2 table, with six games left in the season, and would be hoping to retain their Ligue 2 status.
An acquisition by Dangote could potentially take the club to the next level. The financial injection that will follow can see them signing top players and rejuvenating the team. However, the primary focus would be on maintaining their current position in the league.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
