Sir Jim Ratcliffe fails to sell Nice as American takeover collapses
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has seen his attempt to sell French club Nice collapse after an American consortium failed to meet financial guarantees.
The INEOS chairman had set a strict deadline of 15 June to offload the Ligue 1 outfit.
However, the prospective buyers were ultimately unable to provide the necessary assurances regarding sporting and financial stability.
The investor group had progressed as far as touring the training ground before the negotiations abruptly ended.
A turbulent spell on the French Riviera
Ratcliffe originally purchased the coastal side in 2019 but has noticeably stepped back since acquiring a minority stake at Old Trafford in late 2023.
The petrochemicals billionaire previously expressed severe dissatisfaction with the team’s performances.
I don’t particularly enjoy going to watch Nice because there are some good players, but the level of football is not high enough for me to get excited.
He had significantly reduced his asking price to push a deal over the line.
It now appears highly likely the club will remain under INEOS control heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
Managerial search and United transfers
On the pitch, the French side narrowly avoided relegation from the top flight on the final day of a disastrous season.
Former Leicester City manager Claude Puel took interim charge but is not expected to be offered the permanent role.
Approaches were made for Liam Rosenior following his brief stint at Chelsea, but the former Strasbourg boss intends to take a break from football.
Meanwhile, transfer preparations in Manchester are progressing positively under manager Michael Carrick.
The Premier League giants have reached an agreement to bring Atalanta midfielder Ederson to England following the World Cup.
Attention has now shifted to securing West Ham star Mateus Fernandes, with Arsenal dropping out of the race over an £80m valuation.
