According to consistent media reports, NewCity has so far paid "only" around £40m (approx. €48m, ed.) for the acquisition of its clubs. For comparison: in Manchester City alone, over a billion pounds (approx. 1.2 billion euros) have flowed in the past 15 years. In addition, the purchase of inexpensive Under 24 talents, which are scouted using the "Moneyball" system, is used. When will NewCity go into another round of money and invest in the infrastructure of its clubs?
We're not out to buy trophies (smiles). Our strategy is always subject to the goal of leaving a balanced balance sheet. We're not interested in pumping money into the clubs like crazy. Instead, we use data to consider, on a case-by-case basis, which investments are needed and benefit efficiency. And these are not seasoned, successful professionals who promise supposed success overnight. These are usually young players who show annual development potential.
In addition to private individuals and their companies, like you and NewCity, more and more sovereign wealth funds are getting involved in European football. According to media reports, you prevailed against the City Group, which was supported by the sovereign wealth fund of the United Arab Emirates, when acquiring AS Nancy. What obstacles does such competition bring?
European football clubs are becoming an interesting investment for more and more investors of all kinds. Such investors usually deal with more than one club at a time. In addition to Nancy, I also looked at FC Toulouse, the City Group negotiated with ES Troyes AC parallel to Nancy – which they then finally took over. The fact that we were both interested in the same club really just shows that we at NewCity know what we're doing (laughs).
Finally: The Bundesliga clubs have clearly positioned themselves against a possible Super League. What do you predict as an investor: will the national leagues be just a relic of the past in the future?
The national league – including the Bundesliga – will always be there. I am convinced of that. National competitions are the foundation of football. They are what have made the sport so big across Europe. Without them, football would lose massive importance. In addition, European football already has great opportunities for the continent's top clubs to compete with one another in the Champions League and Europa League. That's also why I don't see any need at all for an idea like the Super League.