Sampdoria Finances 2021/22

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Whisper it quietly, but it looks like the ownership saga at Sampdoria might just be coming to an end, as the shareholders have approved an agreement for the takeover of the club by Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani and his partner Matteo Manfredi through Gestio Capital and Aser Holding. It is also expected that QSI, the owners of Paris Saint-Germain, will take a minority stake.

The club had previously been involved in negotiations with Alessandro Barnaba and American investment firm Merlyn Partners, the owners of Lille, but their interest ultimately did not come to anything.

Financial Issues

However, it looks like the agreement came too late to make the payment of three month’s wages (around €13.5m) before the 30th May deadline, which was needed to avoid a four points penalty next season. After announcing the deal, club president Marco Lanna said, “Will we be able to avoid the penalty? I don’t know, we’ll think about it tomorrow.”

After a terrible season, Sampdoria were already relegated to Serie B, but the fans had been concerned that their club might be declared bankrupt, which would have resulted in further demotion to the bottom of the Italian football pyramid.

Fortunately, yesterday’s announcement means that Samp have avoided that fate, assuming that the deal will be ratified.

The club said that there would be a capital increase of €40m plus the issue of a bond loan, which would enable a restructuring plan.

The purchasers had previously emphasised that the required funding was already in place, adding, “Our commitment is to ensure the financial stability of the club and in particular to protect the interests of creditors with an eye to those of small size. This offer represents an important departure from the previous ownership and certifies a clear desire to preserve the coat of arms and tradition of a historic club such as Sampdoria.”

Current Owner

The club has been in turmoil ever since previous owner Massimo Ferrero was arrested in December 2021 for issues relating to his business affairs elsewhere, i.e. not involving Sampdoria, which meant that he stepped down as president, necessitating the appointment of a new board under the chairmanship of Lanna, a former player.

Film producer Ferrero had purchased Sampdoria from the Garrone family in June 2014 for around €15m including the club’s debt. He has angered fans by his refusal to sell to new owners that would be more likely to provide the investment needed to relaunch the Blucerchiati.

The late, great Gianluca Vialli was involved in a consortium with American fund York Capital Management that tried to rescue Sampdoria, but that offer was finally withdrawn after almost a year of discussions with Ferrero, who was accused of constantly moving the goalposts.

Finally, Ferrero has given the green light to the sale of Sampdoria, though Lanna cautioned, “We have established the capital increase. There are still many steps and technicalities to complete, but the big step has been taken.”