Aston Villa’s owners in discussions to acquire a stake in FC Annecy
Aston Villa’s owners in discussions to acquire a stake in FC AnnecyGet French Football NewsThu, January 15, 2026 at 9:58 PM UTC·1 min read
According to a report from Romain Molina, V Sports, the owners of Aston Villa, are in discussions to acquire an ownership stake in FC Annecy. The Ligue 2 club is willing to sell a minority stake amid the current financial volatility that exists within the French game.
Whilst the Premier League club’s owners have made contact with the hierarchy at Annecy, a potential minority takeover will not be simple. Several stakeholders at the French club are unwilling to sell and become a part of a multi-club ownership model. Any deal agreed between the club and V Sports would place an emphasis on retaining local management.
Aston Villa’s owners already hold a large multi-club empire. With clubs spanning across countries including Japan, Egypt, Senegal and Cǒte d’Ivoire. A relationship already exists between Villa and Annecy, with players previously moving to the Ligue 2 club on loan. Any minority takeover from V Sports would only see that relationship strengthen.
