Amanda Staveley, known for her role in the Newcastle United takeover, is reportedly interested in buying Tottenham Hotspur. While Spurs deny being for sale, Staveley’s pursuit highlights her continued ambition in football. Her track record of persistence suggests she won’t easily give up on her Premier League aspirations.
British business executive Amanda Staveley, known for her instrumental role in the Saudi Public Investment Fund's takeover of Newcastle United, has once again surfaced in football headlines, this time linked with a potential acquisition of Tottenham Hotspur. While the club has publicly refuted any intentions of being sold, Staveley's interest underscores her persistent ambition to be a significant player in the Premier League landscape.
Staveley's journey in football finance has been marked by both successes and setbacks. Her involvement in the Newcastle United takeover in 2021 was a landmark achievement, solidifying her reputation as a shrewd negotiator and dealmaker. As a 10% shareholder in Newcastle, alongside her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, Staveley played a crucial role in the club's transformation, overseeing key appointments and player acquisitions. However, their departure in July 2024, relinquishing their 6% stake, signaled a shift in the club's ownership structure and left Staveley seeking new opportunities within the sport.
The recent revelation of Staveley's interest in Tottenham Hotspur comes amidst a backdrop of uncertainty surrounding the club's future. While Spurs' board swiftly rejected the approaches from two parties, including Staveley's PCP International Finance Limited, the speculation highlights the allure of owning a prominent Premier League club with significant potential. Despite PCP's subsequent statement denying any intention to purchase Tottenham, Staveley's track record suggests a tenacity that could see her return with a renewed offer.
Prior to her Newcastle involvement, Staveley demonstrated her financial acumen through investments in Barclays bank in 2008 and her role in Sheikh Mansour's acquisition of Manchester City in the same year. These ventures showcase her ability to navigate complex financial transactions and her understanding of the football industry's economic dynamics.
Ciaran Kelly, a football reporter, offers an insightful analysis, noting that Staveley has been actively seeking "great opportunities" since leaving Newcastle. Tottenham, with its stature, potential, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, undoubtedly fits this description. Furthermore, Spurs stand out as a major Premier League club that has not changed ownership in over a decade, making them an attractive target for investors like Staveley.
While ENIC, Tottenham's current ownership group, remains steadfast in their position, Staveley's history suggests that she rarely gives up easily. Her persistence in brokering the Newcastle deal, even after initial setbacks, underscores her determination to achieve her goals. Whether or not she ultimately succeeds in acquiring Tottenham, her interest highlights her unwavering desire to return to football at the highest level.
Staveley's ambition extends beyond mere ownership. Following the Newcastle takeover, she spoke of challenging for titles and Champions League qualification, demonstrating a commitment to on-field success. Her involvement in key decisions, such as the appointment of Eddie Howe and the signings of Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, and Tino Livramento, further highlights her hands-on approach to club management.
The departure of Staveley and Ghodoussi from Newcastle came as a surprise, particularly given their instrumental role in the club's resurgence. However, with the Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and the Reuben Family assuming greater control, their positions became untenable. Despite remaining Newcastle fans, their focus has now shifted to finding a new avenue to exert their influence in the football world.
As the "Ask Me Anything" team at BBC Sport investigates, the question remains: will Amanda Staveley's pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur ultimately prove successful? Or will she set her sights on another opportunity to leave her mark on the Premier League?