In a surprising development that emerged on Friday, Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Liverpool star, is reportedly interested in becoming the next owner of French Ligue 1 club FC Nantes.
According to a report by French outlet *L’Equipe*, Alexander-Arnold’s father, Michael Arnold, is heavily involved in the potential deal, providing financial backing through a London-based investment firm.
The proposed takeover bid is said to be valued at £83.8 million, following discussions that reportedly took place last summer with the club’s current owner, Waldemar Kita.
While these reports have certainly sparked interest, FC Nantes has denied any ongoing discussions with Liverpool’s No. 66 regarding a possible sale. Nevertheless, if the information coming from France is accurate, the possibility of Alexander-Arnold purchasing the Ligue 1 side seems increasingly feasible.
Kita, the long-time owner of Nantes, is reportedly open to selling the club, largely due to his unpopularity among the fans. Many Nantes supporters have voiced their dissatisfaction with Kita’s management over the years, making a potential sale more plausible.
The fact that there is significant financial backing behind the proposed deal adds further weight to the speculation. With Michael Arnold leading the investment efforts, there appears to be substantial resources available to make the takeover a reality. The valuation of £83.8 million indicates that this would be a serious bid, aimed at taking full control of the club.
For Alexander-Arnold, this would not be his first foray into investment ventures outside of football. The Liverpool full-back recently became involved with Alpine’s Formula 1 team, demonstrating his interest in business ventures beyond his career as a professional footballer.
Given his previous investments, it’s not entirely shocking that he might be considering the acquisition of a football club. However, it would still be somewhat unusual to see him balancing his role as a top-level footballer with the responsibilities of owning and managing a professional club.
If the deal were to go through, it could mark a new chapter in both Alexander-Arnold’s career and the history of FC Nantes. The star defender, known for his prowess on the field, would be venturing into uncharted territory as a club owner.
It would be an interesting dynamic to see a current player take on the role of a football club owner, especially while still being active in his playing career at Liverpool.
For FC Nantes, the potential change in ownership could offer a fresh start. The club has had its fair share of challenges under Kita’s leadership, and many fans might welcome a new face with fresh ideas. If Alexander-Arnold and his team were able to provide stability and investment, it could be an exciting time for the French side.
That said, there are still many questions to be answered. With Nantes denying any formal negotiations, it’s unclear just how far along the discussions are or if they will materialize into an official offer.
Additionally, managing the balance between his playing commitments and owning a club would be a significant challenge for Alexander-Arnold.
