The long march of China into English football has been going for some time now, but I have to admit that Barnsley was not on my short list of possible targets. However, it is being reported that they are in advanced talks with Chien Lee, the billionaire who is a majority shareholder in Nice and has been seeking an English club. He made his money with a hotel chain and an investment group.
The long march of China into English football has been going for some time now, but I have to admit that Barnsley was not on my short list of possible targets. However, it is being reported that they are in advanced talks with Chien Lee, the billionaire who is a majority shareholder in Nice and has been seeking an English club. He made his money with a hotel chain and an investment group.
The club is probably available at a competitive price, but one would need to consider its potential for growth. However, the prospective owner is probably not too concerned about attendances or even sponsorship as long as he has a vehicle that has a chance of reaching the Premier League with some investment.
Apparently, they think that they can have a tilt at promotion without spending massive sums of money. If they succeed, other clubs will be interested to learn about their formula.
The current owner, Patrick Cryne, has kept the club afloat since 2004, but has sadly been unwell with cancer. He may retain a small minority shareholding.