This one came out of the blue.
Reports from Mexico are suggesting that Club Deportivo Guadalajara owner Jorge Vergara is negotiating the sale of Chivas USA to the world’s richest man, Carlos Slim. (pictured on the right, shaking hands with Bill Gates)
The sale would include both Chivas Gualadajara in Liga MX and Chivas USA in Major League Soccer, as well as Estadio Omnilife.
A fee of around $700 million is being mentioned for the landmark deal.
Chivas USA have already had an incredibly lively start to the current MLS season, with new manager José Luis Sanchéz Solá and his side ruffling the feathers of plenty of established MLS players, coaches and franchises.
“El Chelís” side started the season on fire, but have lost their last two games to drop back into mid-table in the Western conference. However with the news of a new owner and potential new funds on the way, Chivas USA will undoubtedly continue to make noise throughout the 2013 campaign.
At the moment, it is unclear how close the deal is to being done. Mexican newspaper, Record, believes that a deal “is closer to being sealed that falling through,” and that negotiations have been fruitful so far.
So could we see some Designated Players suiting up for Chivas USA soon? That could be on the cards, but other things should come first. For too long now, the Goats have shared the Home Depot Center with the LA Galaxy. Dwindling crowds in Carson, Calif. have seen Chivas’ image damaged in MLS and a new soccer-specific stadium would go a long way to restoring pride and prestige into the Californian franchise.
If Slim does take over, a bright future could lie ahead for Chivas USA’s band of loyal supporters. Some of Mexico’s top talent could be attracted to MLS and Chivas USA, as Slim already has a stake in Liga MX sides Pachuca, Leon and Estudiantes Tecos. But then again, who knows? Vergara was instrumental in setting up the franchise and obviously holds the club close to his heart.
But with both Chivas sides struggling over the last few seasons, now seems like a good time to sell up and let someone else lead the march of the Goats.