Today is expected to be the day for signing the agreement transferring the majority stake in Monza from Fininvest to the US consortium led by the venture capital firm Beckett Layne Ventures, based in Larchmont, New York. The deal is reportedly worth around 30 million euros, potentially including bonuses, for a stake of about 75-80%. The consortium`s aim is to gain full control of the club within a year. Among the US investors is Brandon Berger, a former head of marketing at Chelsea. However, it`s a group effort, facilitated by lawyer Mauro Baldissoni, who has managed relations with Fininvest (the club`s owner since September 28, 2018) and structured the negotiations. Today`s `signing` is a crucial formal step that will also allow the new owners to start operating in the transfer market.
Monza Sale: Next Steps
This marks the beginning of a transition phase (`interim period`) expected to last several weeks until the `closing,` when the new ownership officially takes over. During this phase, the current management will work closely with the incoming team. The goal is a smooth transition, with market operations managed jointly by both parties. Adriano Galliani, Monza`s CEO, will remain a key figure during this period, working closely with his potential successor and the new sporting director who will replace Mauro Bianchessi.
Monza: Who Will Succeed Galliani?
These changes are usually automatic when a new owner takes over. However, due to confidentiality agreements surrounding this phase, we are in the realm of speculation. Baldissoni is rumored to become Monza`s next CEO, potentially with Nicolas Burdisso as sporting director and Francesco Vallone as chief scout. There is also speculation about the involvement of Alex Menta, currently GM at Triestina (Serie C), who previously worked as technical director at Venezia and might have ties to some of the new investors. If this proves true, Menta might propose a trusted name for the sporting area (perhaps Triestina`s current DS, Daniele Delli Carri?).
New Monza Ownership: Will the Coach Change?
Whether speculation or concrete possibilities, more clarity should emerge today, particularly regarding the coaching situation. The current ownership appointed Paolo Bianco on a two-year contract, but rumors have circulated for days that this role might change. Daniele De Rossi`s name is still being considered, although his high salary (around 3 million net per season) agreed with Roma until June 30, 2027, presents a significant hurdle, which is also why Sampdoria hasn`t strongly pursued the Roman coach.
Monza: Transfer Market Under New Ownership
And then there`s the player transfer market. This has already begun with the announcements of acquisitions like Obiang, Zeroli, and Sardo, as well as Keita`s contract renewal. Contacts have continued during this waiting period, almost like cyclists performing a track stand (`surplace`). Ongoing discussions reportedly involve Cheddira (owned by Napoli), Thiam (a goalkeeper nearing free agency), De Pieri and Franco Carboni (Inter), Correia (Triestina), Lezzerini, Besaggio, and Adorni (leaving Brescia). Bakoune, a promising 2006-born right-back from Milan, is also liked (with contacts well underway). Furthermore, the situation of players already under contract with Monza needs analysis, as they may want clarity on their immediate future. In short, several issues are on the table, needing prioritization for what promises to be a very busy summer for Monza. Regardless of the owner (the Texan fund Blue Crow was reportedly in the running until the end but now seems distant), the impression is that the goal will be to build a team capable of immediately fighting for a return to Serie A.
