Lionel Messi Signs Deal to Take Full Ownership of Spanish Club CD Eldense

Lionel Messi has signed an agreement to purchase 100% of Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense.

The deal moves the acquisition beyond the preliminary agreement reported last week, although regulatory approval is still required before the transaction is completed.

Spanish reporting says the acquisition is worth approximately €15 million and would make Messi the club’s sole shareholder.

The purchase remains subject to approval from Spain’s Consejo Superior de Deportes, while due diligence is continuing.

Reuters previously reported that Messi had agreed in principle to acquire all the shares held by Colombian investment group TH Soluciones.

The latest development is that the purchase agreement has now been signed.

Eldense currently compete in Spain’s professional second tier.

The acquisition would also give Messi ownership of a second Spanish football club following his purchase of lower-league UE Cornellà earlier this year.

Messi is therefore beginning to assemble a club-ownership portfolio while still playing professionally.

Regulatory completion remains outstanding.

Sources

• AS – Messi signs purchase agreement for CD Eldense
• Alicante Plaza – Messi signs Eldense purchase with CSD approval still required
• Reuters – Background to Messi’s agreement to acquire Eldense