This morning's revelation of Charlie Methven selling his shares in the club were welcomed by the Sunderland fanbase as the Black Cats gear up for life back in the Championship. The former director still held shares in the club having relinquished his board position back in 2019.
It was the right move for all parties with the relationship strained to say the very least. But what can we take away from Kyril Louis-Dreyfus increasing his shares?
The Sunderland owner increased his shares to 51% to become the majority shareholder, having previously held a ‘controlling interest’ with an initial 41% stake, Juan Sartori holds 30% after all increasing his shares by 10% and former owner Stewart Donald has seen his shares almost half from 34% to 19%. Louis-Dreyfus has tightened his grip on the reins and his statement this morning will help ease any concerns among the red and white army.
READ MORE: Sunderland announce ownership changes as Kyril Louis-Dreyfus increases stake in the club
Perhaps the most important line to take away from his statement, was: “Our ownership group has been consolidated and there will be no further sale of shares to a third-party buyer. We remain committed to our strategy of delivering long-term success and sustainability and together, alongside our dedicated staff and loyal supporters, I believe we can now move forward as one unified football club.”
The Frenchman has repeatedly talked about the long-term vision he has for the club and that success would not return immediately overnight, but he's stuck to his word and has put his money where his mouth is. The previous breakdown of shares at the club was a huge concern for supporters and the recent interest from The Fans Together Group did not sit well with fans.
Louis-Dreyfus' statement in the aftermath reaffirmed his vision to take the club in the right direction, and whether the proposed takeover forced his hand, remains to be seen. As pointed out by a number of fans on social media - 'A win is a win after all.'
There are still plenty of questions surrounding the current ownership group, with Louis-Dreyfus' wealth among the talking points. The move to acquire more shares in the club should calm any fears over finances.
Sartori's involvement in the club remains a mystery. It's clear that he and Louis-Dreyfus are working in tandem. The Uruguayan played a huge part in the Frenchman coming to the club given his close connection with his family, but his lack of communication with the Sunderland fanbase has done himself a favour.
He's never been present on Wearside long enough for any interviews, nor do we know much about his financial power. What we do know, is that he's seemingly happy to cut ties with the former Sunderland owners and side with Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
Donald's decision to stay at the Stadium of Light however, continues to raise eyebrows. The former Sunderland owner and chairman has repeatedly said he'll sell his shares in the club when he felt he was no longer wanted, so how come he is still on the scene?
Louis-Dreyfus has made it clear he wouldn't be happy if the shares were sold to a third party without his approval and he may yet buy Donald's stake in the club in the future. The Frenchman has slowly gone about business at the Stadium of Light and his reluctance to fully commit could be seen as smart business.
The return to the Championship should boost the Black Cats coffers with more away fans set to travel to Wearside next year, given the size of the visiting clubs. Louis-Dreyfus has, so far, been smart with his approach but he knows any bumps in the road may lead to more questions regarding Donald's involvement.
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