Man City owners could buy Dutch club ADO Den Haag - how would it impact City?

The Premier League champions may be on the verge of adding another side to their arsenal of overseas feeder clubs.
Manchester City’s ownership group could be about to purchase another club. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)Manchester City’s ownership group could be about to purchase another club. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Manchester City’s ownership group could be about to purchase another club. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Manchester City’s owners City Football Group (CFG) could be about to add another European club to their portfolio.

Sources in the Netherlands say that the group are in discussions to save cash-strapped ADO Den Haag.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A report from Voetbal International, the oldest Dutch football magazine still in circulation says that there are two parties in purchasing the club.

Discussions have been held with a Japanese group which the club have confirmed, but CFG could now add another team to their extensive list of clubs.

A buyer needs to be found by the start of next month or at least a guarantee of £4.6m or their licence will be revoked. They have already been deducted six points as a result of their financial issues.

Patrick Roberts has been one of Man City’s players who have benefited from opportunities abroad. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)Patrick Roberts has been one of Man City’s players who have benefited from opportunities abroad. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
Patrick Roberts has been one of Man City’s players who have benefited from opportunities abroad. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)

In Europe, City’s owners already own Girona in Spain, as well as Lommel in Belgium and Troyes in France.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The football operation has proven successful for City as young players have been loaned out to sister clubs for vital first-team experience.

The likes of Erik Palmer-Brown, Issa Kaboure, Patrick Roberts and Philippe Sandler, are all on loan at Ligue One outfit Troyes from parent club Manchester City.

It has proven a financial success as elsewhere Aaron Mooy was bought from Melbourne City and later sold to Huddersfield Town.

Outside of Europe, they are also in charge of top-tier sides Melbourne City, New York City, Yokohama and Mumbai City.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

For a brief spell from December 2019 to April 2020, De Haag were managed by former Crystal Palace and Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew.

Since the Englishman’s departure though, the Hague based club have been on a downward spiral and were relegated from the Eredivisie last season after finishing bottom.

A familiar player on their books is their captain Daryl Janmaat, remaining with the club despite their demotion. Janmaat played for Newcastle United and then Watford in what was a four-year tenure in England.

How could this benefit Manchester City?

The Netherlands as a country has produced an array of world-class talent over the years and for another club to be added to the CFG Network will give them an advantage in a new player pool.

Should CFG purchase the club then it could allow some fringe or academy players to play senior football at a competitive standard, whilst staff members can keep a close eye on their progress.

Related topics: