Messi had, prior to agreeing to buy CD Eldense, acquired another Spanish fifth-tier outfit, Unió Esportiva Cornellà.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Argentine star Lionel Messi has reached an agreement to buy Spanish second-tier outfit Club Deportivo Eldense, otherwise known as CD Eldense.
According to reports in Spain, the Inter Miami captain agreed in principle with the club’s current owners to become the majority shareholder of the football outfit.
Eldense are currently competing in the Spanish Segunda División, where they have endured a difficult start to the season and have collected just two points.
The deal is expected to be finalised in the coming days once the remaining legal and contractual procedures are completed, including an extensive audit or “due diligence” process.
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The transaction, according to sources, will then merely await formal ratification from Spain’s Higher Sports Council (CSD).
If the deal is completed, it will mark the second time the former Barcelona striker becomes the owner of a professional club in Spain, after acquiring fifth-tier club Unió Esportiva Cornellà a few months ago.
Founded in 1921, CD Eldense are based in Elda, in the autonomous community of Valencia, Spain, and play their home matches at Estadio Municipal Nuevo Pepico Amat, which has a capacity of 4,036 spectators.
With this latest move, Messi, who is anticipated to eventually return to Catalonia to live after retirement, is gradually cementing his growing business footprint in Spanish football.
