SMC Group Buys UD Almeria from Turki Al Alshikh

There has been a big change in ownership at Spanish club UD Almeria. Turki Al Alshikh has sold the club to a group of investors led by SMC Group. They are the biggest media, advertisement, and sports organization in the Middle East.

WHAT HAPPENED?

UD Almeria now has new owners after an agreement between Turki Al Alshikh and a group led by SMC Group. This ends Al Alshikh’s time as the club’s owner. The financial details haven’t been shared, but this is a big move in European football by Middle Eastern investors. The current management team will stay, with CEO Mohamed El Assy and his team continuing to lead the club during this change.

WHO IS TAKING OVER?

The new owners are led by SMC Group, the biggest media, advertisement, and sports group in the Middle East. The group’s chairman is Mohamed Alkhereiji, a well-known business figure in Saudi Arabia. He has a strong background in media and finance, having worked at Deutsche Bank before joining his family’s business. He was CEO of Al Arabia OOH, a leading outdoor advertising company in the Middle East, and helped it list on the Saudi Stock Exchange in 2021. His business grew when he joined Saudi Media Company and became Chairman of the Board of MMS, a commercial advertising unit created with MBC Group.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This purchase continues the trend of Middle Eastern investment in European football. SMC Group’s move into Spanish football ownership follows similar actions by others from the region. UD Almeria is currently trying to stay in La Liga. They are in 19th place with 25 points, just 3 points from safety, with three matches left this season. The club is in a crucial period as they fight to stay in the top division while adjusting to the new ownership. Keeping the current management team under CEO Mohamed El Assy suggests a desire for consistency during this important time.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR UD ALMERIA?

The team’s immediate focus is avoiding relegation. Almeria plays Girona at home this weekend, a tough match against La Liga’s surprise team who are currently in 3rd place with 71 points. After that, they visit 14th-placed Las Palmas and 6th-placed Real Betis in their final two games. The new owners will likely review the club’s sports and financial situation more closely after the season ends. If Almeria stays in La Liga, more investment could be expected to strengthen the squad for next season. If relegated, the new owners will need to come up with a plan to quickly return to the top division.