'If this comes off I'll admit I was wrong!' 'End of 2020 looking good' - Sunderland fans react to major takeover development

A consortium led by Juan Sartori and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus are reported to be closing in on a deal to purchase Sunderland AFC.

The Guardian claim that Sartori and Louis-Dreyfus – the son of wealthy Marseille owner Robert – are the party in a period of exclusivity with Stewart Donald.

Donald would retain a 15 per cent stake in the club as part of the deal, but it would be the group led by Sartori and Louis-Dreyfus who would hold the majority control of the club.

Here’s the best of the social media reaction:

@Parkersafc tweeted: “Have been openly vocal about my doubts about a takeover being close. If this comes off I'll happily hold my hands up and admit I was wrong. Not getting excited yet though. I made that mistake with FPP #safc”

@SpeakSAFC tweeted: “Thoughts? Donald not being the majority shareholder could be huge, but him still owning 15% of his shares and Methven 5% isn’t ideal #SAFC”

@LBarks72 tweeted: “It appears more of an investment than a takeover if reports are to be believed. Donald and Methven retaining a stake in club. Not even sure where to start having a majority shareholder / owner who’s 22 years old - what could possibly go wrong. FIFA 21 in real life #safc”

@Kevsafc22 tweeted: “Positives are that the family have history in running football clubs and clearly have cash. Problem is being able to spend it at this level and as we all know, 'spending' doesn't guarantee success #safc”

@FcRedandwhite tweeted: “Not too sure I believe this but if it happens I hope the new owner alongside Sartori have a plan that works and money to invest... #SAFC #safctakeover”

APepper8 tweeted: “Biden, a covid vaccine and now a Sunderland takeover... End of 2020 looking good #safc”

@MorganLowrie tweeted: “An inexperienced 22 year old with $2 billion pound burning a hole in his back pocket in charge of a business with multimillion £ commitments, with next to no income, in an uncertain environment, with Donald & Methven still involved. What could possibly go wrong?”

@IndolentFop tweeted: “Is this the same Juan Sartori who failed to deliver on his big promises to the current board?”

Over on our SAFC WhatsApp group, one fan simply said: “Heard it all before”

And another added: “I’d question Sartori’s motivation to buy the club, his involvement over the last 2 years has been minimal, what will change now! With Donald still being on board it sounds like it’s more like rearranging the deck chairs on the titanic rather than a takeover!”

Sunderland are back in action at home to MK Dons on Saturday at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson was asked about the takeover situation at his pre-match press conference.

Parkinson said: “I have been at a lot of clubs and takeover talk is often in the air, it is important we put that to one side, if or when it happens, the owner will let me know. I just concentrate on the team. I have not been told anything official, when that stage comes I’m sure I will be informed.”

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