Dundalk set to be bought by English side

Premier Division set for fresh investment.

Dundalk look set to become the latest League of Ireland side to enter a multi-club ownership model, as Hull City close in on a takeover at Oriel Park. As reported by James Rogers of The Argus, the English Championship side are thought to be close to meeting the current Dundalk owners’ demands for selling the club. [caption id="attachment_283535" align="alignnone" width="640"] Hull City are owned by Turkish media mogul Ali Acun Ilıcalı.[/caption] Looking to secure a majority shareholder stake, Acun Medya – the Turkish media corporation who own the Tigers – are hopeful of completing a deal relatively quickly after talks progressed this week. Dundalk, who opened their League of Ireland season with a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to UCD last Friday night, are no strangers to the process of changing owners. Having endured the ownership of American investment firm Peak6 for three years following their 2018 acquisition, the club were subject to a series of bids, including one from a consortium with links to Northern Irish side Glentoran. However, the process ultimately ended with the club being passed back into local hands, as Newry-based company Statsports and former owner Andy Connolly managed to obtain the controlling stake. [caption id="attachment_283536" align="alignnone" width="640"] Dundalk twice qualified for the Europa League, facing Arsenal in 2020.[/caption] Should the deal go through, and the Turkish buyers see off reported American interest, they will become the fifth ownership group at Oriel Park in 11 years. Despite this upheaval at the top of the club, it is a period which has seen Dundalk claim 5 league titles and twice reach the Europa League group stages. The partnership between the Louth side and Hull City would be the second of its kind in the League of Ireland, with Waterford owned by the same consortium as English League One team Fleetwood Town. Shelbourne were also subject to cross-channel interest last season, with the owners of Premier League side Southampton muted to be keen on obtaining an ownership stake at Tolka Park, although a deal ultimately failed to materialise. Stephen O’Donnell’s side must try and keep their focus directed towards on-pitch proceedings this weekend though, as they seek a first win of the season on their travels to Dalymount Park to face Bohemians.