the mexican group Orlegi Sports has acquired the majority of the share capital of the Sporting Gijonfrom the Spanish second division, the Spanish club reported on Tuesday.
“The majority shareholders of Real Sporting de Gijón, SAD and Orlegi Sports have reached an agreement whereby the group of Mexican origin has acquired the majority of the share capital of the historic club,” Sporting said in a statement.
The Asturian club does not give details of the operation, but, according to the Spanish press, the group headed by Mexican businessman Alejandro Irarragorri has bought 73% of the club’s shares for around 40 million euros (about 42 million dollars).
Irarragorri will be the new president of the Asturian club, replacing Javier Fernández, who has sold his shares to the new Atletico leader.
According to the Spanish press, the new owners of Sporting they will keep Abelardo Fernández as coach.
Sporting represents the leap to European football for the Orlegi group, owner of the Mexican clubs Atlas Y Santos Laguna.