Golf and basketball legends Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan have been encouraged to take over a Premier League club.
American ownership in both the Premier League and English Football League (EFL) has grown in recent years.
Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are the notable clubs owned by American companies.
While, US-based Friedkin Group, who also own AS Roma, completed its takeover of Everton in December adding yet another American backed Premier League side to an already lengthy list.
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But take a look down the English football pyramid and American backers are also in charge of several clubs.
Acting duo Canadian Ryan Reynolds and American Rob Mc - formerly Rob McElhenney – are the most high-profile owners in the EFL, having taken control of Wrexham in 2021.
The duo’s ownership has coincided with three consecutive promotions. NFL icon Tom Brady also boasts a 3.3 per cent minority stake in Birmingham City.
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And now Jordan and Woods have been tipped to take over a huge Premier League side.
Former Premier League striker Matthew Jansen explained how he’d welcome Jordan or Woods at his beloved Blackburn Rovers but admitted that the pair would more likely be keen on United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
Speaking in association with BettingLounge.co.uk, Jansen said: “I think Tom Brady is a good one. Maybe Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods, people who’ve been at the top of their sport. The number one in their sport will always be impressive and can relate a little bit more to football than the music industry.
“It could be any club for, couldn’t it? But the likes of Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods would probably be looking at Liverpool, Chelsea or Man Utd, those kinds of clubs. They’re that big a star. So is Tom Brady, but Birmingham are really putting their money where their mouth is. I think they'll be a force next season.”
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He added: “They could target clubs in the EFL. Look at what Wrexham started and they've been a success. It'll be other people putting it to the likes of Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods, rather than them approaching clubs.
“They'll see whether it’s worthwhile investing their time. It’s certainly worked for the two at Wrexham, and it’s worked for Tom Brady at the moment. How far it'll go, who knows?
“I could see them buying Manchester United. The fans are unhappy with Ratcliffe at the minute, and there are protests. You couldn’t put it past somebody like that coming in, and his aura could bring success.
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“They'd certainly welcome them at Blackburn. They're in a bit of a mess with the Venky’s at the moment. It's a sorry place compared to the great days from Jack Walker’s era when I was playing. It's fallen quite far, and they’d definitely welcome some positive publicity.
“I’m a big Tiger Woods fan, so for me a documentary of him at Blackburn or Manchester United would beat any before it. Woods is a global superstar and it would certainly be one series I’d be looking forward to. It would be incredible if it happened.”
Topics: Premier League, Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Football
Luke Davies