On April 13, Eddy Zdziech, the president of Valenciennes confirmed to the French newspaper The time that there was in fact a “rapprochement” with Nigeria Aliko Dangote. On April 2, the daily had indeed revealed that an African billionaire, having built most of his fortune in the cement sector, had positioned himself to buy this Ligue 2 resident club from the north of France. then turned to the richest man on the continent, a native of Kano weighing US$ 13.5 billion.
Two other targets
No one is unaware of Aliko Dangote's intention to buy – at least – one club in Europe since this big Arsenal fan tried to buy the London Gunners twice, in 2016 and 2020. According to information, the businessman even wants to take over the management of three structures. One of these operations has already been completed.
As for Valenciennes Football Club (VAFC), which currently occupies 16th place in the ranking, one of the conditions imposed by the billionaire is that it takes place in Ligue 2 at the end of the 2022-23 season. Your financial situation is not very prosperous. Indebted, the VAFC was sued before the labor court by several former employees.
“If Dangote is interested in VAFC and other clubs, it is because the trend is Ownership of multiple clubs –MCO-, such as City Football Group [Manchester City, New York City FC, Melbourne FC…] or Red Bull [FC Red Bull Salzburg, RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls…], necessary Vincent Chaudel, founder of IN&Sport and Sport Business Observatory. Furthermore, Valenciennes is a real football ground, with a loyal audience and a modern stadium [25,200 places, opened in 2011].
sale conditions
Eddy Zdziech is also in favor of the sale of the holding company DRH, owner of the club, whose value is estimated at between 10 and 15 million euros. “Zdziech has already received offers and is still there. He has complicated relationships with the city hall, the department and the fans, reports a close friend at VAFC. He says he wants to sell and has even hired the Parisian firm KPMG to do so. [in April 2022, NDLR] but with him, it's better to be careful. »
According to several of our sources, however, the current president wants to maintain his charge. A condition that the future buyer will probably not accept. “If Aliko Dangote becomes the owner, he will put a trusted person in, which is logical, slip one of them. And if Zdziech camped in this position, he could do to roll the operation. »
