Manchester United bidder says he has now been approached by other clubs looking for investment

Add as preferred source on Google

Finnish businessman Thomas Zilliacus has given an interview explaining where he stands on the Manchester United takeover.

Thomas Zilliacus was the wildcard bidder who lodged his final offer for Manchester United in April, and concedes that he is not likely to win the race for the Red Devils.

Speaking to Tribal Football, he admits: “Frankly, I think the profile of the other two bidders from a Glazer perspective is more attractive.”

Zilliacus says his offer for Manchester United is still on the table, but now admits he is casting his eye elsewhere.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24

Thomas Zilliacus update

Zilliacus says he has received approaches from other clubs about investment, which he is now open to considering.

He explained: “I think club owners all over the world now know we are interested in investing in football. I’ve been contacted by a large number of clubs. My focus is on clubs with a big global fan base, which means I’ve said no to most of those. But there are some really big names among them as well, who we are looking seriously in to.

“While I can’t reveal any names, I can say there are clubs among them as well known as Manchester United around the world and on a significantly more attractive price level.”

Zilliacus went onto add that he may look away from English football, as he believes there are more growth opportunities for clubs abroad.

He said: “England is, of course, the most attractive league, which is reflected in the money being paid for TV-rights. However, that also means there is a massive potential in other markets like Spain, Italy and France to increase a lot.

“I would almost bet my hat that the English TV-rights won’t triple over the next five years, but I am convinced the Italian TV-rights would.”

There may not be many Manchester United fans upset that Zilliacus is moving on; his late bid was never really viewed as a serious option, he does share supporter frustration at the way the process has been handled by the Glazer family.

And his plans to look at other clubs, may ultimately be followed by one of Sir Jim Ratcliffe or Sheikh Jassim, whoever is unsuccessful, or both, if in a doomsday scenario both bidders walk away if their patience is tested by the Glazers.

If Zilliacus is being approached by other clubs, you can bet Ratcliffe and Jassim will be contacted about taking their money elsewhere, if they have not been already.

Zilliacus may get his chance to show Manchester United what the club missed out on, for better or worse.