A new report has revealed that Saudi Arabia are interested in purchasing another massive European club and turning them into one of the best sides in the world.
The Saudi Arabian influence in football has grown significantly in recent years, with the Pro League attracting some of the best players across the world including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr and Karim Benzema.
Through the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia have also dipped their toes into European clubs by purchasing Premier League side Newcastle United in October 2021.
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And now, a new report has suggested that Saudi Arabia may be preparing to buy another top European team and transform them into world-beaters.
According to El Independiente via Mundeo Deportivo, recent news that Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin may be prepared to sell his shares in the club has led to Saudi Arabia showing interest in purchasing the club.
Gil Marin and club president Enrique Cerezo reportedly own about 66% of the ownership shares of Atletico Madrid.
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The news comes amid growing relations between the club and the Middle Eastern country as Riyadh Air became the club’s official shirt sponsor in August last year.
More recently, Saudi Arabia have also reportedly enquired about sponsoring Atletico Madrid's home stadium the Metropolitano, with Riyadh Air the most likely candidate.
However, there has been no official confirmation that Gil Marin is prepared to sell his shares yet, and so Saudi Arabia will have to wait
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However, while they wait to further expand their reach in football, Saudi Arabia have been dipping their toes in other sports.
Most notably, the nation has been heavily involved in the world of combat sports through boxing chief Turki Alalshikh.
Just last weekend, Riyadh season sponsored one of the biggest events in the history of combat sports as the UFC hosted a Mexican independence day inspired card in the iconic Las Vegas Sphere.
And on Saturday night, British boxing icon Anthony Joshua will face off against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Arena in an event sponsored by Riyadh season.
Topics: Saudi Arabia, Football, Atletico Madrid, Premier League, Newcastle United
Ben McCrum