A group of Qatari investors is considering the possibility of purchasing Tottenham Hotspur, and according to reports from The Guardian, they are prepared to offer the club's president, Daniel Levy, a long-term contract to manage the team as executive chairman. This arrangement would enable Levy to retain his position even in the event of a sale.
This decision could evoke mixed reactions among fans, who have repeatedly expressed their dissatisfaction with his leadership. However, the potential new owners believe that Levy's expertise in managing club operations is a valuable asset.
The acquisition of Tottenham could be executed in stages. One possible scenario suggests that even if Enic, the current owner of 86.91% of the club's shares, becomes a minority shareholder, Levy would remain in a leadership role.
Daniel Levy has been a key figure at Tottenham since 2001, when Enic purchased a 29.9% stake in the club from Alan Sugar, later establishing full control. Under his leadership, the club has significantly improved its financial position, particularly due to the construction of the new stadium. Currently, Tottenham's annual revenue exceeds £500 million.
Previously, Levy himself stated that the club requires a "significant increase in capital," openly expressing interest in attracting external investors. Financial group Rothschild is handling consultations on this matter.
It is currently unknown who specifically stands behind the Qatari proposal, but sources indicate that these are private investors, rather than the state fund Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) or Sheikh Jassim, who attempted to purchase Manchester United in 2023.
In recent years, Levy has negotiated with several Qatari entities, but no deals have been finalized. In 2016, Tottenham considered a deal with QSI regarding naming rights to the new stadium, and in 2022, they received a proposal for a minority investment.
Interest in purchasing the club has also been shown by American and Middle Eastern investors. Among the potential buyers were former Newcastle director Amanda Staveley and Iranian-American billionaire Jahm Najafi. However, none of them have offered an amount close to the club's valuation of £3.75 billion.
Tottenham fans have openly expressed their dissatisfaction with Levy. During the recent FA Cup fourth-round match against Aston Villa, supporters chanted "Levy, get out."
At the same time, since 2019, the club has spent £550 million on transfers.
Since 2022, control of Tottenham and Enic has passed to the family trust of billionaire Joe Lewis, which is managed by independent professional trustees.