Inter President Steven Zhang is increasingly optimistic that he will be able to hold onto his position and that Suning will retain a majority stake in the club.
Increasing financial woes have led to the Chinese retail conglomerate engaging in negotiations to sell the club since January, with British-based BC Partners looking for an overall takeover.
However, as reported in today’s newspaper edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, Zhang will return to Italy next month after working behind the scenes to bring Suning’s finances into order and he is confident that investment via a minority sale will allow him to retain control of Inter.
With the Nerazzurri top of Serie A, the potential to lead the club to a first Scudetto since 2010 is also a motivating factor, whilst the sale of 23% of shares in Suning.com for €1 billion has eased the pressure on the company.
Whilst BC Partners’ offer of €750m for Inter has fallen short of Suning’s €1b valuation, Zhang would favour investment from the likes of Fortress or PIF.
Such parties would inject funds to cover the remainder of the season in exchange for a minority stake, with €250m required to cover outstanding costs, allowing Suning to remain at the helm and build for the future.
