Semi Ajayi’s West Brom are yet to record a win in the current English premier league season most recent in the unlucky loss at Old Trafford, Occupying relegation zone after nine games played but Slaven Bilic’s side are now reportedly in talks with an American consortium over a potential £150million takeover of the club, according to reports.
Majority shareholder Guochuan Lai and the current owners have received criticism from some sections of the fanbase over what has been deemed an insufficient investment in the squad since completing their £170m takeover in September 2016.
Now according to The Telegraph, Lai – who is based in China – would consider taking a £20m hit to allow the consortium to complete a full takeover, while a minority stake of up to 15 percent has also reportedly been discussed with the chief executive Xu Keas as an alternative in the negotiations.
The report adds Lai turned down an offer from the interested party earlier this year, who themselves are reportedly unwilling to match the valuation with the club’s future in the Premier League far from certain given their current position of 19th in the table.
It, therefore, remains unclear whether a deal will go through at all, but if there is a relatively swift and successful conclusion to negotiations, that could spell some positive news for Baggies fans and manager Slaven Bilic ahead of the January transfer window.
Bilic was given a transfer budget of less than £50m in the summer after sealing promotion from the Championship, with the amount severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The amount still allowed the West Midlands side to bring in exciting West Ham prospect Grady Diangana for £20m, complete a £15m deal with Huddersfield for Karlan Grant and sign midfield star Matheus Pereira on a £9m permanent deal from Sporting Lisbon.
