Aston Villa’s ownership group are keen to broaden their multi-club model and talks are continuing over the move
08:56, 09 May 2026Updated 09:04, 09 May 2026
Aston Villa co-owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris pictured at Stamford Bridge(Image: PA Wire)
Aston Villa’s holding company, V Sports, are reportedly closing in on a deal to acquire a controlling stake in FC Annecy.
According to The Athletic, talks are continuing with the French second-division club FC Annecy, with whom Villa have already established an informal partnership.
Should the move be completed, Annecy will join Japanese club Vissel Kobe and Real Union of Spain, who are already part of their multi-club portfolio.
Led by Villa owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris, V-Sports has been looking at expanding its roster of clubs and has been assessing those in Europe.
Bringing Annecy under their umbrella is likely to give Villa the opportunity of allowing their up-and-coming talent to move to France in order to aid their development.
Triston Rowe, an academy graduate, joined Annecy on a season-long loan deal last summer while Travis Patterson also moved there back in January.
It is claimed that V-Sports may also look at improving the club’s facilities and their Parc des Sports stadium.
V-Sports already have informal partnerships with MLS side, Columbus Crew and Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas.
Ibrahim Dosso is set to move to Villa from Mimosas when he turns in 18 in January next year, a deal that would follow Mohamed Kone who made the switch to the West Midlands last summer.
V-Sports’ link with Columbus Crew has already seen them exchange ideas over scouting, coaching and recruitment.
Marc Nicholls, Columbus Crew’s technical director, has already visited Birmingham as part of their relationship.
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