Championship side Watford has extended an invitation to its fans to buy shares in the club even as Anthony Joshua explores opportunities to invest in the club.
The move by the club, aimed at boosting its financial capabilities, offers fans a unique chance to become stakeholders in their beloved team.
Executives at Watford have assured potential investors that they won’t need to invest in volatile cryptocurrency, as the club aims to raise £17.5 million through this crowdfunding initiative.
The funds raised will contribute to strengthening the playing squad under the guidance of head coach Tom Cleverley, as Watford seeks a return to the Premier League.
Watford, under the ownership of Italian Gino Pozzo since 2012, has been actively seeking investment opportunities in recent years.
The club’s strategic decision to offer digital equity through online trading platform Republic marks a pioneering step in English football. The shares, effectively valuing the club at £175 million, will be made available for purchase, allowing fans to become true owners of equity shares in the club.
In addition to providing fans with the opportunity to own shares, Watford plans to offer exclusive benefits, including access to special owner meetings and select stadium areas, through tokens.
These tokens will eventually enable fans to engage more closely with the club and enjoy unique privileges.
The potential involvement of former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in Watford’s investment talks has also drawn attention.
Although Joshua has not committed to immediate involvement in football club ownership, discussions have taken place, reflecting the club’s ambition to attract prominent investors.
While Watford’s push for investment presents exciting prospects for the club’s future, Anthony Joshua’s spokesperson has clarified that the boxer is fully focused on his boxing career at present and has no immediate plans to venture into other opportunities.
This initiative by Watford represents a groundbreaking approach to football finance, empowering fans to become active participants in the club’s journey and fostering a closer bond between the team and its supporters.
Earlier reports had suggested that the Championship club Watford had engaged in discussions with financial experts working alongside former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua regarding a potential takeover deal worth £150 million.
Since 2012, Watford has been under the ownership of Italian businessman Gino Pozzo, who has been actively seeking avenues for additional investment.
Anthony Joshua, commonly known as “AJ,” boasts a substantial net worth of £150 million to £200 million, according to the 2024 Sunday Times Rich List.
With strong connections to Watford, including being born at Watford General Hospital and growing up in North Watford, Joshua’s potential involvement in Watford’s investment endeavors has garnered significant attention.
A spokesperson for Anthony Joshua later clarified that while discussions have taken place, the boxer is currently fully focused on his boxing career and has no immediate plans to venture into new opportunities outside of the sport.
Watford’s initiative to explore investment opportunities represents a progressive approach to football finance. By engaging fans in share ownership and potential partnerships with high-profile figures like Anthony Joshua, the club aims to empower supporters and foster a deeper connection between the team and its fanbase.
