Reports have begun to emerge that PSG could be set to acquire Oostende in a bid to create a wider portfolio of clubs based on the same model as Manchester City. Articles have cited HLN as the source of this information, however since then the article that had further details on the acquisition has been removed.
This will certainly frustrate Oostende’s fans who have seen their side drop out of the Pro League and suffer points deductions as a result of financial mismanagement. If the club cannot find a buyer within the near future, they may cease to exist.
If the reports are true, and PSG do bring Oostende into their footballing family, it will not be the first time a Qatari based owner has taken on a Belgian side. Eupen, who have been linked to PSG through their Qatari owner but not directly, have been the beneficiaries of investment from the Gulf State. However, their stay in the Pro League also appears to be coming to an end with little investment having been carried out to help strengthen the playing squad this season.
Being part of a multi-club project is also nothing new to Belgian clubs. In the same league as Oostende we find Lommel, a side that are part of the City Group. In the Pro League Cercle Brugge are linked to Monaco, while Union St Gilloise and Brighton are also linked through ownership. Standard Liege form part of 777‘s group of clubs as well.
Whether the news is to be believed or not, Oostende fans, players and staff will be hoping that the club comes under new ownership as soon as possible.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
