Indonesian tycoon Erick Thohir is closing in on a $463m purchase of owner Massimo Moratti’s majority share.
DC United’s owner, business magnate Erick Thohir, could complete his purchase of a majority stake in Italian giants Inter Milan before the week is over, sources close to the Jakarta Globe claim.
The Indonesian is expected to purchase incumbent chairman Massimo Moratti’s 75 per cent share of the club for as $463m. The sources claim both sides aim to complete the deal before the start of the new Serie A season.
Moratti’s recent financial troubles mean that the Italian, who has been president of the club since 1995, has been forced to look for potential buyers.
Under the leadership of Moratti Inter saw a remarkable transition, from a period of underachievement to one of the most successful spells in the club’s history – culminating with Jose Mourinho’s treble-winning season in 2010. Moratti also spent generously, seeing the club sign some of the biggest names in the world including Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
As well as a part-ownership in DC United, Thohir also has shares in NBA franchise the Philadelphia 76ers. Should Moratti sell to Thohir, he would stay on at the club in an operational management role.
The club has accumulated $395m of debt to date and is currently loss-making. After a poor 9th placed finish in Serie A last season any new owner will have their work cut out turning the ship around.
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