Aston Villa’s ownership group are continuing talks over a potential deal to acquire French club FC Annecy as V Sports look to expand their growing multi-club network.
According to reports from The Athletic, discussions remain ongoing with the Ligue 2 side, with whom Villa have already established an informal partnership in recent seasons. If completed, Annecy would join Japanese side Vissel Kobe and Spanish club Real Union as part of the V Sports portfolio.
Led by Villa owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris, V Sports have been exploring opportunities across Europe as they continue developing their long-term multi-club strategy. Bringing Annecy into the group could provide Aston Villa with another pathway for young talents to gain first-team experience abroad.
Villa academy graduate Triston Rowe joined Annecy on a season-long loan last summer, while Travis Patterson also made the move to the French club earlier this year. The partnership has already strengthened links between the two clubs and could become even more significant if a takeover is finalised.
The report also claims V Sports may look to improve Annecy’s infrastructure, including upgrades to the club’s facilities and the Parc des Sports stadium.
Beyond Europe, V Sports have also built informal relationships with MLS outfit Columbus Crew and Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas. Those links have already influenced Villa’s recruitment strategy, with highly-rated youngster Ibrahim Dosso expected to join the club from Mimosas when he turns 18 next year.
The relationship with Columbus Crew has also seen both organisations exchange ideas around scouting, recruitment and coaching structures. Columbus Crew technical director Marc Nicholls has previously visited Birmingham as part of the collaboration.
As Villa continue to grow both on and off the pitch, expanding their multi-club model appears to remain a major part of the ownership group’s long-term vision.
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