Mega-rich Qatari investors 'planning takeover' of huge Premier League club

Qatari investors are reportedly planning a takeover at one of the Premier League's biggest clubs in a move that would send shockwaves across English football if it went ahead.

There have been several previous attempts by individuals or groups from Qatar to purchase a stake in a Premier League club, most famously Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani – who attempted a takeover at Manchester United in 2023.

The Qatari businessman was engaged in talks to buy United between February 2023 and October 2023 before withdrawing from the process, with British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe instead purchasing a 27.7 per cent stake in the club from majority owners, the Glazer family.

Now, a separate group of Qatari investors are reportedly planning a takeover attempt at Tottenham.

The Guardian claim that the group are determined to take 'control' of the north London club but that the proposed takeover could take the form of a phased buy-out.

The identity of the Qatari bidders is unclear but The Guardian claim they private individuals rather than the government-backed Qatar Sports Investment (QSI) or Sheikh Jassim.

In a move that could be unpopular with supporters, the Qataris are said to be willing to allow current executive chairman Daniel Levy to remain at the club even if a full takeover is completed.

"Under one model being considered by the investors, Levy would be offered a management contract to run the club, which would remain in place even if Enic, that owns 86.91 per cent of Tottenham, becomes a minority shareholder," read the report.

Levy has been the most influential figure at Tottenham since 2001, when Enic bought 29.9 per cent of the club from Alan Sugar – later completing a full takeover in 2007.

Under Levy's guidance, Tottenham's financial position is said to have been 'transformed', with the 63-year-old successfully overseeing the move to their state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - widely viewed as one of the best football grounds in the world.

But their relative lack of on-field success has frustrated supporters of the north London club, who last won a major trophy in 2008 when they beat Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final.

The Qataris are reportedly willing to allow Daniel Levy to remain at Spurs if they complete a takeover (Image: Getty)

Spurs currently find themselves 14th in the Premier League table and are already out of both domestic cup competitions this season under head coach Ange Postecoglou.

Supporters are planning a protest against the club's ownership before and after Sunday's home game against Manchester United.

Tottenham are currently seeking outside investment, with Levy saying last year that the club needed 'a significant increase in its equity base'.

However, sources at the club have told The Guardian they are not currently involved in negotiations on a takeover.

Spurs have been the subject of previous interest from investors in America and the Middle East, but no party has met the £3.75bn valuation for the Premier League club.