27-cap Brazil legend in shock takeover talks at EFL club | OneFootball

Alexandre Pato has held provisional talks regarding a potential takeover at Colchester United.

Colchester United could be set for exciting times, with owner and chairman Robbie Cowling actively looking to sell the League Two club - and a shock takeover contender has emerged.

The U's sit just three points adrift of the play-off places, following a run of three consecutive victories, including Saturday's 2-1 triumph over Fleetwood Town.

Danny Cowley's men are in action once again this Tuesday, when they welcome fellow top-seven chasers Grimsby Town to the Jobserve Community Stadium.

Colchester have managed to finish in the League Two play-off places just once since suffering relegation from League One back in 2016, and Cowley is vying to change that this term, while even automatic promotion remains a possibility.

The long-term future is even more exciting, however, and a former Brazil goalscoring hero could be set to purchase the fourth-tier outfit in a stunning twist.

Alexandre Pato in shock Colchester United takeover talks

The U's can take a vital step towards a potential League One return by getting the better of Grimsby this Tuesday.

Perhaps more importantly, though, as reported by the Daily Gazette, former Chelsea, AC Milan, and Brazil striker Alexandre Pato has held talks with Colchester owner Cowling about the possibility of investment.

It remains unclear where any takeover bid from the 36-year-old would be successful, but Cowling is actively looking to sell his club to the right buyer.

Pato was among the owner's group of visitors for Saturday's game against Fleetwood, which also included Colchester MP Pam Cox.

The former striker retired from football in 2025, having enjoyed an illustrious career with the likes of Milan, Chelsea, and Brazilian giants Sao Paulo.

Pato's career highlights include winning the Serie A title with Milan in 2011 and the Copa Libertadores with Internacional back in 2006.

His international exploits saw him notch 10 goals in 27 Brazil appearances, winning the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa in the process.

Alexandre Pato developments could spell exciting times for Colchester

The U's are currently vying for a long-awaited promotion back to League One, but they have endured tough times in recent seasons, narrowly avoiding relegation in 2024.

Should Pato complete a takeover, or even just put some investment into the League Two side, it would heavily raise their profile, and could enable them to push on.

Fellow EFL club Wrexham have enjoyed the benefits of Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, rising through the divisions from the National League to the Championship.

The Red Dragons have subsequently established themselves as a promotion candidate in the second tier, occupying a play-off spot thanks to Saturday's victory over Queens Park Rangers.

Colchester appear unlikely to achieve the same level of success as Wrexham if Pato completes a takeover of the League Two side, but the Welsh club's tale proves what high-profile owners can achieve

Birmingham City also dominated League One last term, while NFL legend Tom Brady is part of their ownership consortium.

Meanwhile, Swansea City are co-owned by former Real Madrid star Luka Modric, amid the landscape of high-profile owners in the EFL, which is a pattern which Colchester may now follow - and Pato would have similar superstar connections, no doubt.

For now, Cowley's men are preparing for their upcoming League Two encounters with Grimsby and Crewe Alexandra, but a more exciting future could be on the horizon thanks to Pato's ownership interest.