Bournemouth owner Maxim Demin is reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ to sell the Premier League club to American Bill Foley, owner of the NHL (hockey) side Vegas Golden Knights.
Demin bought the south-coast club in 2011 and his strong financial backing sent the club into the top flight in 2015. The Russian-born British citizen, who spends most of his time in Switzerland, is the sole shareholder of the Cherries, after buying back a 25% stake of the club in 2019 that he had previously sold.
Foley is reportedly ready to pay £150m ($A255m) for the club, which would become the 11th Premier League side to be at least part-owned by American investors. His net worth is reportedly $1.2 billion USD ($1.79bn AUD) according to Forbes.
Demin had previously considered selling the club, but his interest appears to have been refreshed in recent months. Sky Sports reports talks have been ongoing for months, but a deal is now close to being secured.
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Demin sacked manager Scott Parker just four games into the season – following a 9-0 loss to Liverpool – after Parker repeatedly complained in public about the lack of transfer activity after the club was promoted back to the top flight.
But interim manager Gary O’Neil has sparked a rebound, with a 0-0 draw with Wolves and a 3-2 win over fellow promoted side Nottingham Forest. His success – guiding the club to 13th – has reduced the pressure on the club to quickly decide on their next permanent manager, especially with takeover talks progressing.
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“Obviously I am not involved in any discussions like that (takeover). I have been hard at work over on the other side, on the grass,” O’Neil said.
“I haven’t considered anything around takeovers, discussions upstairs, my position, whatever that is, it is.
“My wife and kids will tell you, every minute of my day so far since that (postponed Brighton game) is Newcastle, either on a laptop or on the grass with the lads.
“Pure focus on how we go there, have an impact on the game and come away with a positive result again.”
Bournemouth this weekend face Newcastle, under the management of former Cherries head coach Eddie Howe.
