A consortium featuring former AC Milan, Chelsea, and Brazilian national team striker Alexandre Pato is nearing a deal to acquire a majority interest in the League Two side Northampton Town. Although Pato is a participant in this investment group, he is not the primary representative.
This group, known as Sports Alpha Capital, previously engaged in discussions to acquire Colchester United earlier this year, though they ultimately withdrew from those negotiations. Pato, who turned 36, concluded his professional playing career last year. His career highlights include a notable tenure at AC Milan, where he netted 63 goals in 150 appearances and helped secure the 2010-11 Serie A championship. He also had a brief stint with Chelsea in 2016.
Northampton chairman Kelvin Thomas signaled last month that an agreement with a substantial investor was nearing completion. The club, which dropped into the fourth tier following a difficult previous season, reported pre-tax losses of nearly £3 million in April. Thomas stated that this new investment is intended to eliminate the club’s existing debt. Under the leadership of manager Chris Hogg, appointed in May, the team has already bolstered its roster with seven acquisitions during the current transfer window.
