It has been a busy few days for American businessman Bill Foley, the Cherries owner travelled to France on Wednesday to watch French Ligue 1 side Lorient in action, before immediately flying back to Bournemouth.
Within days it was announced that Foley had acquired a 33% shareholding with the potential to increase that stake in the future, according to BBC Radio Solent reporter Kris Temple on social media.
🍒 #AFCB owner Bill Foley has completed a deal to purchase a minority stake in French Ligue 1 club @FCLorient. I understand this to be a 33% stake initially, rising potentially in the future.
— Kris Temple (@kristemple) January 13, 2023
The deal was announced as “a strategic partnership” by Black Knight Football Club, AFC Bournemouth’s ownership group. The statement went on to add…
“…the investment in FC Lorient advances BKFC’s multi-club ownership strategy initiated last month with the acquisition of AFC Bournemouth, an English Premier League club. The partnership is building a global network of world-class football clubs, players, and real estate assets that will produce operational synergies, accelerate player development, enable efficient player migration across BKFC’s network of owned and operated clubs, while driving both strong on-field and financial results.”
This dates back to the multi-club strategy that Bill Foley has referenced before, indicating that Lorient are the first side in a potential three or four club group that will support AFC Bournemouth.
“Bournemouth is the parent, that’s the one we’re going to support, that’s our number one goal and the other teams need to support Bournemouth.” Foley stated in an interview with Sky Sports.
⚽️ Bill Foley and Black Knight Football Club have entered a strategic partnership with and have agreed to significant minority ownership interest in FC Lorient of the French Ligue 1!
Bienvenue dans la famille, @FCLorient! 🐟 https://t.co/FCDOxWyCxv
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) January 13, 2023
With that deal now officially signed off, the first benefits to the Cherries appear to be imminent with the signing of Lorient winger Dango Outtara.
Interest in the Burkina Faso international by AFC Bournemouth was previously reported last week, before the partial takeover of Lorient was confirmed.
The 20-year-old, who has scored five goals and claimed five assists in 16 Ligue 1 games so far this season was also reportedly of interest to Premier League rivals Everton and Leicester City.
According to Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam a fee in the region of £ 20 million has been agreed and Outtara is travelling to the south coast of England today to have his medical and finalise the deal.
BREAKING: Bournemouth have agreed a deal for Lorient winger Dango Ouattara 🤝🍒pic.twitter.com/RY693I8f0N
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 16, 2023
Breaking News: Deal agreed !
AFC Bournemouth have agreed a deal with Lorient for winger Dango Ouattara.
The fee is £23 million euros (£20 million pounds.)
He will travel to the UK today to complete his medical and finalise the move. #afcb
— Mark McAdam (@markmcadamtv) January 16, 2023
Dango Ouattara had been watched by a number of Premier League clubs… the fact he’s agreed to join #afcb is really positive news.
Different type of profile to the other wide men at the club – could be an exciting signing.
— Mark McAdam (@markmcadamtv) January 16, 2023
Your say…
SteveJonesLegend wrote…
I don’t pretend to understand the specifics behind Bill’s ownership model, but it would have been very strange if ‘his’ two clubs could not have shuffled funds around to sort this out… I mean, surely it’s just throwing around his own money, back into his own pocket…??? – To join the conversation, click here.
