Sheffield United Football Club would be worth somewhere between £88m and £120m if it were sold now.
That is according to two expert witnesses acting on behalf of the Blades’ co-owners – as reported by the Sheffield Star.
Kevin McCabe and Prince Abdullah – who each have a 50 percent stake in the club – are currently trying to resolve a dispute over who should have ownership in a High Court case.
Football finance expert Douglas Harmer was asked to speak by Prince Abdullah’s legal team. Mr Harmer says United are currently worth between £100m and £120m following their promotion to the Premier League.
However, if they were to establish themselves as a top flight side that would jump to £182m. How long they would have to be in the division to become “established” was not specified.
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The current valuation was disputed by Mr McCabe’s expert witness, Nicholas Good of accountancy firm KPMG. Mr Good said the current value was between £88m and £104m.
He added that Mr Harmer’s findings did not take into account the possibility of the Blades being relegated back to the Championship after just one season. Or that the stadium and other assets are owned by someone else.
Why it matters what Sheffield United is worth
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Mr McCabe has already said that should he win the case he plans to sell the club. The 71-year-old outlined his decision during an interview with Sky Sports News.
“I want to be able to pass on the baton to new owners, to shout and yell and not be discreet in the directors’ box,” he said.
“The Premier League has changed since we were last there. I understand it but it’s for younger people.
“Football’s changed and it’s not unusual to have international owners involved.”
The Sheffield Star reports that the “baton” is likely to be passed to investors from North America. Discussions have already begun with businessmen Dave Checketts and Alan Pace.
The duo were previously involved in MLS franchise Real Salt Lake.
