Will PSG soon have a little Brazilian brother named Santos? According to information from the Brazilian media Globo that we are able to confirm, QSI (Qatar Sports Investments), the Qatari investment fund owner of PSG plans to enter the capital of the famous club auriverde which saw the debut of the legend Pelé but also his attacking midfielder Neymar.
With no money to make big investments in football, Santos opened the door to talks with the Qatari fund. Discussions are continuing on how the contribution would be made to the club. The approach between the club and the company was through Neymar's father. Recently, he participated in negotiations between the club and Blaze, the current main sponsor of the club.
For several months, QSI hopes to increase its weight in football through minority investment in clubs around the world. In October, the owner of PSG acquired 21% of FC Braga, a club in the Portuguese first division (currently 3rd in its league). The Qatari investment fund led by Nasser Al-Khelaïfi is also considering the opportunity to become the majority shareholder of the Spanish club Malaga, quarter-finalist of the Champions League 10 years ago.
According to information from Cadena COPE, QSI could buy 51% of the shares for €9 million. A modest sum that is explained by the poor financial and sporting situation of this club, 19th out of 22 in the Spanish second division championship and which will evolve next year in the 3rd national level. Two other European clubs and two South Americans, including Santos, are also targeted by QSI.
It is this model of expansionism that inspires QSI and Nasser Al-Khelaïfi today. This does not mean that the investment at PSG will be reduced in the coming years. But the business model will evolve. Moreover, the opening of capital is still relevant. Three candidates want to become minority shareholders (10 or 15%) and this file should be completed during the summer.