Ex-AC Milan and Brazil star Alexandre Pato in surprise EFL club takeover talks

Alexandre Pato could be about to join the long list of big-name owners in the EFL.

According to the Colchester Gazette, Pato has held talks over a sensational takeover of League Two club Colchester United.

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The report adds Pato was at the JobServe Community Stadium, Colchester’s home ground, to observe their 2-1 win over Fleetwood Town on Saturday.

It was a result that spelled the end for Pete Wild as Fleetwood’s boss as he was sacked on Sunday following a run of six defeats in his last seven games.

How long have Colchester been looking for a new owner?

The U’s are on the hunt for new ownership after incumbent custodian Robbie Cowling extended an invite last September for ‘all qualified investors’ to submit a bid.

“The past nineteen years have been quite an experience for me and my family, but the time has come for someone new to take on this wonderful challenge,” Cowling said.

“However, my final job as chairman is going to be my most important one as I seek to find the right long-term steward for the club.

“I want my last decision for the club to be my best decision for the club.”

At the time of the statement’s publication, Cowling revealed investors from the UK, Europe, the US and the Middle East expressed ‘strong interest’ in acquiring the club.

Where did Pato play during his career?

Reports of Pato’s interest in a Colchester takeover comes just over a year after he hung up the boots.

The Brazilian began his career in his home nation before he rose to prominence at Italian giants AC Milan, where he spent six years.

Pato made 150 appearances and netted 63 goals for the Rossoneri, but could have enjoyed far more had he not been beset by injuries towards the end of his time in Milan.

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The Brazilian went on to enjoy a nomadic career following his departure from Milan to Corinthians in January 2013.

In total, Pato played for six different clubs after he left Milan, including Corinthians, Sao Paulo, Chelsea, Villarreal, the now-defunct Tianjin Quanjian and Orlando City.

At international level, Pato won 27 caps for Brazil and scored 10 goals.

Which other big names are involved in owning an EFL club?

Should Pato’s involvement in a mooted takeover for Colchester come to fruition, he would not be the first individual with a connection to Milan in charge of an EFL club.

Luka Modric, who now plays for the Rossoneri at age 40, became a minority stakeholder in Championship side Swansea City last April.

Also among the Swans’ ownership group is American rapper Snoop Dogg, who participated in the club’s 2025/26 kit reveal.

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Hollywood duo Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds are arguably the most high-profile owners in the EFL having taken over Wrexham in 2021.

Under Mac and Reynolds’ stewardship, the Welsh outfit has climbed from non-league football to the Championship.

Should Pato end up being involved in taking over Colchester, he will hope to inspire the U’s to a similar rise.