American rapper Jay-Z has expressed his interest in acquiring Tottenham Hotspur, the renowned English football club, in the event that the current owner faces conviction for fraud and insider trading.
A close business associate revealed to Daily Express that the hip-hop legend has a profound love for England’s “beautiful game”.
With several top-tier English football clubs, such as Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea, already under US ownership, Jay-Z sees the opportunity to gain a controlling interest at board level with Tottenham Hotspur, a club boasting global reach.
His associate said:
“More than a few of the very top clubs there – like Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea – are now under US ownership and Jay would jump at the chance of a controlling interest at board level somewhere with the global reach of Spurs.
“It remains to be seen whether Mr Lewis will walk away free. If he doesn’t, Jay has said he wants to be in a position to move quickly if he feels the price is right.”
“He believes this is achievable, especially with the backing of fellow investors.”
The club’s estimated market value has seen a slight increase this year, reaching £2.18 billion, a sum well within the reach of the billionaire rapper, known by his real name, Shawn Carter.
Tottenham’s current owner, Mr. Lewis is facing serious legal challenges.
He recently appeared in a New York court to deny 16 counts of securities fraud and three conspiracy charges linked to alleged “insider trading” offenses that took place between 2013 and 2021.
Each of these charges carries a maximum sentence ranging from five to 25 years in prison.
Interestingly, he currently holds a joint-ownership position in the NBA basketball team, the New Jersey Nets.