While Sartori and Louis-Dreyfus’ combined wealth may not come to the fore in League One – given the salary cap restrictions – it could become vital as the Wearsiders climb the pyramid.
So using data from the summer of 2020, we’ve estimated where the Black Cats could rank among the country’s richest clubs if the takeover is completed:
5. Wolves
Wolves are owned by the Fosun International group, whose wealth is understood to be around the £5.2bn mark. Photo: Pool
6. Aston Villa
Villa are owned by the NSWE Group - whose two controlling shareholders, Nassef Sawiris and Wes Eden, are worth a combined £5bn. Photo: Gareth Copley
7. Leicester City
The Srivaddhanaprabha family have turned the Foxes into regular challengers for a spot in Europe, thanks in part to their £4.6bn fortune. Photo: Pool
8. Tottenham Hotspur
The fairly reclusive Joe Lewis owns Spurs, who he has bankrolled with his wealth of around £3.9bn. Photo: Laurence Griffiths