Espanyol, a long-standing soccer club based in Barcelona, is on the brink of being acquired by the American investment firm Velocity Sport Partners (VSP). The deal, reportedly valued at around 200 million euros, is expected to bring immediate and far-reaching changes, both on the pitch and within the club’s internal structure. Spanish newspaper Marca reports that Alan Pace, the businessman leading VSP, will take a majority stake and is set to assume 99 percent control of the club.
VSP representatives are scheduled to arrive in Barcelona next week to finalize the transaction. The group is set to make an initial investment of 180 million euros, with performance-based clauses that could raise the final price. The takeover has been in the works for over three months and is already being viewed as one of the most significant recent moves in Spain’s top-tier soccer.
Who is Alan Pace
Alan Pace isn’t new to the soccer business in Europe. He currently leads Burnley, a club in England, and is now expanding his presence with a new project in Spain. As head of VSP, he’s pushing a strategy that combines solid financial management with consistent investment in competitive performance. With this acquisition, Espanyol becomes part of that broader vision.
A key aspect of the deal is the level of control VSP is aiming for. By holding 99 percent of the club’s shares, the firm would have full authority to steer the club’s future. This makes clear that the move goes beyond simple financial investment. There’s a real intent to implement meaningful change within the club’s internal structure and leadership. The current board is expected to undergo major reform, and the management of soccer operations will likely be brought in line with VSP’s standards.
Espanyol fans are no strangers to disappointment. The club rarely fights for top spots in the standings. With VSP stepping in, there’s a real chance that this long-standing pattern could finally be broken, though only time will tell what the results on the field will look like.
At this point, what’s certain is that control, strategic planning, and perhaps even the club’s culture are about to be redefined. This business-driven approach is likely to create more stability and clearer decision-making, potentially reducing the internal turmoil that has historically plagued the club. Even so, it’s too soon to know if that stability will translate into better performance during matches.
The rivalry with Barcelona from a new angle
Espanyol has always lived in the shadow of its city rival, Barcelona. Both clubs share the same home, but when it comes to global recognition and success, the gap between them is hard to ignore. That won’t change overnight. Still, the arrival of a group like VSP, with deep pockets and an international footprint, could begin to level the playing field behind the scenes.
This isn’t about trying to become the next Barcelona. The goal is to establish Espanyol as a stable, competitive club in Spain’s first division, one with a professional structure and a clear direction. If the new project succeeds, the city’s soccer rivalry could evolve into something more balanced, with Espanyol finally stepping out from the sidelines to challenge more consistently at a higher level.