TMJ puts Valencia in his sights

TMJ puts Valencia in his sights

The Johor crown prince is said to be interested in taking over the Spanish club currently owned by Singaporean tycoon Peter Lim.

Tunku Ismail, who also owns JDT, made a series of posts on Instagram suggesting his interest in Valencia. (Bernama pic)
KUALA LUMPUR:
Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has prompted speculation of a takeover bid for Spanish football club Valencia after posting about his ambitions for the La Liga outfit.

The crown prince of Johor said Valencia need someone who is “hungry for success”, adding that he was motivated by the prospect of “creating history”.

Valencia are owned by Peter Lim, a billionaire businessman from Singapore, which neighbours Johor.

“I’m not a businessman, I’m a prince,” Tunku Ismail, 36, wrote in a series of Instagram stories, which are no longer available but were posted as screenshots by media.

“I’m not someone who will change your club logo or tradition,” he added.

“What does Valencia need? You need someone who knows about football, hungry for success, passionate, and understands how big Valencia is as a club,” wrote the prince.

Tunku Ismail, or TMJ as he is known, already owns Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), who last year won their seventh straight Malaysian Super League title and inaugurated the 40,000-capacity Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.

Lim’s Meriton Holdings bought Valencia for €420 million (RM2 billion) in 2014, including €200 million to clear the club’s debts.

However, relations with fans have soured after a lack of success on the pitch and a revolving door of managerial appointments.

In the early 2000s, Valencia won two La Liga titles and the Uefa Cup, and reached two Champions League finals. However, the team is currently 14th in the league, just five points clear of the relegation zone.

The club was valued at €408 million in a report by global accountancy firm KPMG last year.

Lim’s representatives referred a request for comment to Valencia, who did not immediately respond. AFP is also attempting to contact representatives of Tunku Ismail.

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