A turning point in the history of the Andalusian club
In a remarkable investment move in the world of European football, the summer of 2019 saw Saudi advisor Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, announce his full acquisition of Spanish club Almería. This deal, valued at approximately €20 million at the time, marked a radical turning point in the history of the Andalusian club, which was then languishing in the Spanish second division, and opened up new horizons of ambition and development for it.
General context and historical background
Before the acquisition, Almería was considered a mid-table team in Spain, fluctuating between La Liga and the second division, facing financial and administrative challenges that prevented it from establishing itself among the elite. Al-Sheikh's move came within a broader context of increasing Gulf investments in European clubs, aimed at enhancing soft power and achieving investment and sporting returns, similar to successful models such as Manchester City in England and Paris Saint-Germain in France.
Upon assuming the presidency of the club, Turki Al-Sheikh announced an ambitious project aimed primarily at restructuring the club at all levels, from management to the first team, with a clear strategic goal of promotion to the Spanish First Division as soon as possible.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
The impact of the takeover was immediate and tangible. The new owner paid off the club's debts in full, granting it unprecedented financial stability. This was followed by significant investments in the transfer market to acquire talented players and competent coaches, such as the signing of Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez, who was later sold to Portuguese club Benfica in a record-breaking deal that generated substantial profits for the club, as well as Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq.
Domestically, Almería transformed from a team battling relegation in the second division to a consistent promotion contender. These efforts culminated in the 2021-2022 season when the team won the second division title and secured direct promotion to La Liga after a long absence. Internationally, this acquisition put Almería on the global map, significantly increasing its popularity and following, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, thanks to the new owner's strong media presence on social media platforms. This takeover exemplifies how strategic investment can completely transform a club's future and turn it into a competitive force.
