LAGOS, Nigeria – Africa’s richest man and CEO of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, is said to be close to acquiring 60% ownership of French Ligue 2 club, Valenciennes.
According to reports from French media outlet Entreprendre on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, the acquisition is in its final stages.
This comes as a surprise after Dangote’s interest in purchasing Premier League club, Arsenal, fell through in the past.
The acquisition of Valenciennes would make Dangote one of the few African businessmen to own a European football club.
Valenciennes, formed in 1913, have played 40 seasons in Ligue 1 and 36 seasons in Ligue 2. The club has never won the Ligue 1 title but has claimed the Ligue 2 title twice.
The purchase of the club would undoubtedly boost the profile of both Dangote and Valenciennes, and could see a significant investment in the club’s infrastructure and players.
