Manchester United could receive an instant double transfer boost if Sir Jim Ratcliffe, as expected, appoints Jean-Claude Blanc as the club’s new chief executive. Richard Arnold’s exit has intensified speculation (can’t all but confirm speculation?) of Blanc’s imminent arrival at the dawn of the INEOS era at Old Trafford.
Sir Jim is waiting for his £1.4billion deal for a 25 per cent stake to be ratified after reaching an agreement with the Glazer family.
United’s majority owners are set to transfer sporting control to the 71-year-old as part of the investment, which has already sparked change.
Last month, United confirmed that Arnold was to leave his role as chief executive immediately, with Patrick Stewart stepping in on an interim basis.
But Sir Jim is reportedly likely to appoint Blanc, previously described as the Lionel Messi of sports business, as the club’s long-term CEO.
Blanc became chief executive of INEOS Sport in 2022, ending an 11-year career at Paris Saint-Germain, where he oversaw 28 trophies, including eight Ligue 1 titles.
Before his tenure at the Parc des Princes, the 60-year-old Harvard graduate was a prominent figure at Juventus.
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Blanc helped restore Juventus’ status as Italian giants after their relegation to Serie B in 2006 following the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal.
His reputation proceeds him, and he will still have key contacts at Juventus and PSG ahead of entering the hot seat at Old Trafford.
The Frenchman could play a significant role in raising funds for business in the January transfer window by helping broker two winter deals.
Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho are believed to have no future at United, with both expected to depart in January after becoming forgotten men in M16.
According to reports, Juventus are keen to lure both stars to Turin in the new year as United look to offload deadwood in Ten Hag’s squad.
