From Johor to Valencia? TMJ hints at takeover of Spanish club

Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim could be expanding his football portfolio with Spanish side Valencia.

Rumours of the Johor crown prince, a close friend of Valencia owner Peter Lim, taking over the club were circulating a few years ago, but the interest finally seemingly materialised following his recent Instagram Story post.

"I'm not new in football. I've created a club from every year fighting relegation to a dominating champion. I've won 16 titles in eight years. We are the biggest in Southeast Asia and one of the biggest in Asia," he wrote.

"I'm not someone who will change your club logo or tradition. I'm a royalty, not a businessman. I'm here for glory, success and history.

"What does Valencia need? You need someone who knows about football, hungry for success, passionate, and understands how big Valencia is as a club."

In a separate post, he wrote he had "two days to think."

???@HRHJohorII comtemplating a move to takeover @valenciacf_en? Note that current owner Peter Lim is a good friend of TMJ. This could be a huge move. pic.twitter.com/yfkee36yv1

— Keesh Sundaresan (@KeeshSundaresan) March 1, 2021

Spanish newspaper Marca claimed that the bid for the six-time La Liga champions would be in the region of €408 million.

Valencia, whose recent success was winning the Copa Del Rey in 2019, are five points above the relegation zone at the time of writing.