The takeover of Sheffield United has been officially completed by American-based consortium COH Sports. This group is led by businessmen Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy, who will join the Blades' board as co-chairmen. Rosen is the founder and chairman of Resilience Capital Partners, and Eltoukhy chairs biotech company Guardant Health. The transition concludes Saudi Arabian Prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud's five-year ownership of the Bramall Lane club.
Recently valued at around £105 million, the deal allows COH Sports to take full control of Sheffield United, including its men's and women's teams, the hotel at Bramall Lane, and all associated real estate. The consortium expressed full support for manager Chris Wilder and CEO Stephen Bettis, indicating their confidence to provide the right structure for the club's future.
Rosen and Eltoukhy shared their enthusiasm, stating, "We are honoured and humbled to become the new owners of this historic football club… Like all Blades fans, we want to see the club competing in the top-flight of English football consistently, not just on a one-off basis, and we have been encouraged by the strong start to this season." Their pressing ambition is to see Sheffield United return to the Premier League very soon.
Under the new ownership, the focus will not only be on the men's team but also on ensuring competitive opportunities for the women's side. The consortium aims to bring solid, long-term success to the club, which has suffered fluctuations over the years. Following the announcement, Prince Abdullah reflected on his time with the club, stating, "While the club has experienced ups and downs on the pitch, we leave knowing it has never been stronger than it is right now."
Sheffield United's current season is marked by significant immediate success. The Blades lead the Championship and have secured 15 wins from 22 matches, positioning them as strong contenders for promotion following their relegation from the Premier League last season. Their performance has been impressive, especially considering they started with a two-point deduction due to EFL sanctions.
Chris Wilder, who has been instrumental to the team’s success, expressed relief and optimism following the takeover. The financial backing from COH Sports is expected to lessen the previous struggles the club faced, including high debts and management issues. Financial instability had defined much of the club's recent years, leading to unprecedented operational challenges. The incoming owners are focusing on establishing sustainable practices within the organization, including strategic investments across roster enhancements and operational consistency.
The consortium's leaders come with substantial professional backgrounds. Rosen, the founder of Resilience Capital Partners, has considerable expertise across various industries, serving on numerous boards and actively contributing to community initiatives. Eltoukhy, co-founder of Guardant Health, is recognized for his groundbreaking advancements within biotechnology and cancer diagnostics, which has earned him numerous accolades within the healthcare sector.
COH Sports emphasizes its commitment to cultivating Sheffield United's position as not just another football club but as the heart of the community it serves. They reassured fans, "We understand the huge responsibility… Our fans are the beating heart who back the team no matter what." Ensuring the club remains accessible and affordable for supporters is also high on their list of priorities.
This takeover marks the beginning of what COH Sports hopes will be transformative for Sheffield United under their stewardship. While their financial commitment is significant, they acknowledge the fundamental essence of the club—its supporters. By leveraging their diverse backgrounds and competencies, they plan to initiate level-headed growth both on and off the pitch.
Further, the impending January transfer window presents COH Sports with its first opportunities to influence the squad actively. Given the club’s current form and managerial cohesion under Wilder, there is optimism around what talent can be brought on board to bolster the squad heading forward. Fans are eagerly anticipating potential signings as the financial backing of the new owners begins to materialize.
Now, as Sheffield United looks to solidify its ascent back to the English top tier, the relationship between the club and its new owners will be closely watched. The ingredients for success are present, but how well the new management executes their ambitions will determine the club’s eventual return to the Premier League and lasting legacy within English football.
Unquestionably, the supporters are excited. Following years of uncertainty due to financial strain and ownership instability, the future appears bright under COH Sports, promising not just survival, but the pursuit of glory.
