JUST IN- Amanda Staveley continues serious talks with Daniel Levy over Spurs takeover but former Newcastle owner faces ‘big issue’
Amanda Staveley could potentially inject new life into Tottenham Hotspur, but convincing the club’s chairman, Daniel Levy, to sell his stake remains a formidable challenge. This perspective comes from football finance expert Kieran Maguire, following news that Staveley is eyeing several clubs, including Spurs, after securing around £500 million through her investment fund. Bloomberg reports that Staveley has even had preliminary discussions with Rothschild & Co, who are advisers to Spurs, about buying a stake in the club.
Over the years, Tottenham has attracted interest from investors across the Far East, Middle East, and the U.S., but none of these offers have come to fruition. Despite this, Levy has previously stated that he would consider selling if the right offer came along—one that could elevate the club to a new level. With Staveley’s recent departure from Newcastle United, speculation is mounting about whether she might test this stance.
“Amanda Staveley is particularly skilled at brokering deals,” Maguire explained on the Price of Football podcast. “Her involvement with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Newcastle United has led many to speculate about her interest in Spurs. While it’s not confirmed whether Spurs are genuinely for sale, they certainly represent an attractive proposition. The club boasts a fantastic stadium, state-of-the-art training facilities, and is based in London, one of the world’s premier cities. Despite their relatively empty trophy cabinet, Spurs tick many boxes for potential investors. However, the major obstacle is Daniel Levy, who is notoriously averse to relinquishing control. If you think Steve Parish at Crystal Palace is reluctant to give up power, he has nothing on Levy.”
Maguire further elaborated on Spurs’ financial position, highlighting that the club is in a strong position regarding Premier League Sustainability Regulations (PSR) headroom. This financial health would allow new owners to ramp up spending significantly, which could potentially transform the club’s competitive standing.
Staveley, known for her keen business acumen and ability to orchestrate high-stakes deals, has a track record that speaks for itself. Her role in the acquisition of Newcastle United by the PIF showcased her ability to navigate complex transactions and bring significant investment into a football club. This background makes her a formidable figure in the world of football finance, capable of bringing substantial resources and strategic vision to any club she invests in.
For Tottenham, the potential involvement of Staveley could mean more than just financial investment. It could bring a fresh strategic direction and a renewed focus on achieving success both domestically and in Europe. The club has long been seen as one with enormous potential, given its infrastructure and location, but it has often fallen short of realizing this potential on the pitch. An injection of funds and new leadership could be the catalyst Spurs need to compete at the highest levels.
However, the crux of the matter remains whether Levy can be persuaded to sell. His stewardship of Tottenham has seen the club grow significantly in terms of revenue and global presence, but his conservative approach to spending and tight control over club affairs have also been points of contention among fans and analysts alike. Staveley would need to present a compelling vision that not only offers financial incentives but also aligns with Levy’s long-term aspirations for the club.
In conclusion, while Amanda Staveley’s potential investment in Tottenham Hotspur is intriguing and could bring about significant changes, the real hurdle lies in convincing Daniel Levy to part with his control of the club. Her track record and financial clout make her a strong candidate to drive Tottenham forward, but it remains to be seen whether Levy is ready to embrace such a change.