EFL owner makes Charlton Athletic takeover claim | OneFootball

Darragh MacAnthony has reacted to GFP putting Charlton up for sale

Darragh MacAnthony has claimed that Charlton Athletic will have no shortage of potential investors after the club was put up for sale.

It was reported in the Guardian earlier this week that the current owners, Global Football Partners (GFP) have appointed Oakwell Sports Advisory to seek fresh investment into the Championship side.

SE7 Partners, the subsidiary of GFP led by Gabriel Brener, completed their takeover of the London outfit three years ago.

They have so far overseen promotion back to the second division under Nathan Jones, and are preparing for their second season at this level.

However, there is now uncertainty over the ownership situation at the Valley once again, as a takeover would make it a fifth owner in six years.

Charlton are also not the owners of their home stadium, with Roland Duchatelet still owning the venue even after selling his stake in the club.

Darragh MacAnthony makes Charlton takeover claim

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MacAnthony, the current owner and chairman at Peterborough United, has claimed that there is a lot of untapped potential in Charlton that could lead to it becoming a much more valuable asset in the future.

He believes that the owners have earned the opportunity to sell for a much higher price than the £15 million they paid to buy it, and that the Addicks have a lot going for them in terms of attracting possible buyers.

“They pay their bills, they got their club into the Champ, it’s a wonderful football club,” said MacAnthony, via Talksport.

“It’s a great opportunity for someone to go in there.

“Football clubs have been very popular the last couple of years, particularly stateside.

“I don’t think they’ll have one iota of an issue finding an investor for that.

“This is another, not sleeping giant, but it’s a big club,Charlton.

“I grew up with Charlton in the Premier League comfortably every year.

“Facilities-wise, academy, all those things, all those things, great catchment area.

“And it’s one of the last clubs in London and you’re probably paying under £100 million for it, that’s a bargain.

“What would Charlton Athletic be worth in 10-15 years’ time, so I would say that’s exciting for the Charlton fans, if that’s true.

“And, again, the people who bought it and took it to where it is deserve to make a few quid because they’ve done a good job.”

Charlton have been through a lot of ups and downs in a short span of time regarding their ownership.

Supporters were instrumental in removing Duchatelet as owner in 2020, but he is still in possession of the Valley, which could complicate any potential takeover.

SE7 Partners could also seek investment, rather than a full sale, as they look to maintain stability while trying to compete further up the Championship table.

Charlton Athletic’s Championship return

The London outfit finished 19th in the standings last season, and will be targeting an improvement on that result in the coming 12 months.

Jones’ side were six points clear of the relegation zone, with a strong first half of the term playing a crucial role in their survival.

The Addicks have since added five signings to the squad this summer, including sealing the return of Karlan Grant to the club.

Charlton have also signed Danny McNamara, Millenic Alli, Ivan Mesik and Billy Koumetio, with the transfer window still open until 1 September.

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Charlton is a club with a lot of potential

Charlton fans have every reason to be wary about a potential change in ownership, especially so soon, given how difficult it’s been to have stability at the club in the last few years.

However, the Addicks are now in a position where they can attract a higher standard of investor, as they’ve established themselves in the second tier.

They also have an inherent advantage of being London-based, and that will surely attract interest from investors as well.

While there are no guarantees that a new owner would bring in positive changes, there is still a great chance that fresh investment could help boost the club rather than send it back to the doldrums.