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Villa group swoop for Annecy

 Aston Villa’s ownership group, V Sports, are advancing in talks to acquire a controlling stake in French second-division club, FC Annecy.  Villa were leaning on the V Sports group, led by Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris, to integrate Annecy into its multi-club umbrella, which included Japanese club Vissel Kobe and Real Union of Spain.

V Sports’ director of global football development, Matthew Kidson, was tasked with connecting the clubs together, even if the partnership, at the time, was informal.

However, V Sports is closing in on acquiring a controlling stake in Annecy, having held discussions and intending to finalise the agreement in recent months. V Sports have also been looking at other clubs in Europe.

A formal investment would help to accelerate plans with Villa and other clubs in its stable. This will include a continuation of young Villa players moving to France, either on loan or permanently, plus improvements to Annecy’s facilities and possibly its 15,600-capacity Parc des Sports stadium.

Annecy currently sit seventh in Ligue 2 and should they beat Rodez at home on Saturday, have the opportunity to finish in the promotion play-offs to Ligue 1.

Elsewhere, Villa have informal partnerships with other clubs across different continents, including MLS side, Columbus Crew and Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas. Villa have an agreement in place to sign teenage striker Dosso, having previously signed midfielder Mohamed Kone last summer.

The partnership with Columbus Crew stems from a sporting standpoint, with ideas shared regarding scouting systems, coaching methods and how to determine the most productive ways of recruiting. This includes open communication across the Atlantic and travelling. Last year, Columbus Crew’s technical director, Marc Nicholls, visited Birmingham as another indication of the willingness to cooperate.

 

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