Aliko Dangote, Nigerian billionaire and richest man in Africa, is in discussions to buy the French football club Valenciennes.
Eddy Zdziech, the president of Valenciennes, confirmed that talks were underway with Dangote, according to African Report. The deal reportedly involves Dangote’s taking over 100% in the club.
Valenciennes is currently in Ligue 2, the second tier of French football, and the club has struggled financially in recent years.
Dangote previously attempted to buy Arsenal FC on two occasions, in 2016 and 2020.
The businessman made most of his fortune in the cement industry, and is worth $13.5 billion.
In addition to his interest in football, Dangote is involved in a wide range of businesses, including cement, sugar, and oil.
The news is coming weeks after a Nigerian, Shola Akinlade, who is the co-founder and CEO of fintech firm Paystack, acquired a 55% stake in Aarhus Fremad, a second-division football club in Denmark.
The acquisition established Aarhus Fremad as a sister club to Sporting Lagos FC, a Lagos-based football club in the Nigeria National League founded by Akinlade in 2022.
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