Championship club announce £60m takeover as US businessman agrees deal

FLORIDA entrepreneur Shilen Patel and his father Dr. Kiran C. Patel have reached an agreement to acquire an 87.8 percent stake in West Bromwich Albion Group Limited.

That is the parent company of West Bromwich Albion Football Club.

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The takeover has been approved by the EFL and will take place next week.

Shilen Patel, who will also become chairman of, is described as a serial investor on five continents.

Since 2014, he has owned a minority stake in Serie A club Bologna.

Shilen Patel said: “I am pleased and grateful to have reached an agreement to become manager of West Bromwich Albion Football Club.

“The club's exceptional history, support and potential sets it apart even here in the birthplace of football.

“My aim is to help the club achieve a future worthy of its history as a pioneering top-flight club that combines the pride and passion that has defined Albion for generations.

“I am excited to be joining The Hawthorns and look forward to completing the deal next week.”

Patel replaces Guochuan Lia, who bought the Baggies in 2016.

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He spent £175 million to replace Jeremy Peace at the Midlands club.

Reports claim Patel's deal could be worth £60 million.

Of that, £28m would go to West Brom themselves.

And the rest covers the debts left over from the previous regime.

The Baggies currently sit fifth in the Championship with 15 wins from 31 games.

They are 14 points away from the automatic promotion places.

And fans will be hoping Patel can take them back to the Premier League after relegation in 2021.