Alexandre Pato’s takeover of EFL club agreed as statement issued

Alexandre Pato has entered the world of EFL football ownership, as he is set to become the majority shareholder of Northampton Town.

Pato is part of a consortium that has officially agreed a deal to buy a controlling stake in the League Two side.

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The deal involves Pato and UK/Brazilian investment group Sports Alpha Capital, and it has been passed by the Independent Football Regulator.

Northampton confirmed on Friday that after approval from the IFR and the EFL, an agreement has been reached.

Final details are being completed before the takeover process is expected to be finalised next week.

Alexandre Pato agrees Northampton takeover

In a statement, Northampton's chairman Kelvin Thomas said: “As we always said, we will keep supporters updated as we progress and we are pleased that we have finalised agreements and now move to closing. 

“Football club transactions always have many moving parts and often take a little longer than you would hope, but we are thrilled to be moving forward."

Pato and the rest of the investment group attended a Northampton match on September 5, watching the Cobblers beat Newport County 1-0 thanks to a late winner.

Thomas continued: "We all saw the excitement and enthusiasm from both the supporters and Sports Alpha themselves when Pato and others from the group were at the Newport game, and we think that excitement will just build.” 

Joao Xavier, a founding partner of Sports Alpha Capital, also said: “We are very happy to have reached formal agreements.  

"Obviously obtaining IFR and EFL approvals was a big step, but this is also a very important milestone, and we look forward to closing next week."

And speaking on behalf of the investors, Hugh Strange added: “All the investors are very excited about the opportunity to build on the excellent foundations in place to take the club forward and are looking forward to enjoying more days like the Newport game together with the supporters.” 

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Second time lucky

Pato and Sports Alpha Capital had initially been set to buy another League Two team, Colchester United.

The former Chelsea and AC Milan striker even went and watched the U's in action, and talks were at an advanced stage.

But the group were unable to come to an agreement, and Pato moved for the Cobblers instead.

At the time, they had just been relegated to League Two.

As talks have been ongoing, they haven't made a great start to the league, winning just one of their opening six games - the one which Pato attended.

That leaves Northampton 17th in the fourth tier, but they are going to be buoyed by their new ownership going forward.