‘The club can finally reach its full potential’ - Birmingham City fans react to Maxi Lopez takeover deal

Birmingham City are on the brink of being taken over by a consortium led by the former Argentina striker Maxi Lopez and local businessman Paul Richardson.

Richardson has been at St Andrew’s this morning (19 July), and he confirmed to the media that contracts over a deal were exchanged over the weekend and a deposit was paid yesterday. The consortium led by Lopez and Richardson will still have to wait for EFL approval before the deal goes through. Speaking to Sky Sports this morning, Richardson revealed that he and Lopez ‘will be’ announced as the club’s new owners in one or two weeks.

Former Watford owner Laurence Bassini had been expected to complete a takeover of the club in recent weeks, but failed to reach the deadline of Friday, July 1 to complete the purchase of the club.

Blues fans have been reacting to the news that Lopez and Richardson are close to a deal on social media. Speaking to BirminghamWorld, host of the popular Tilton Talk Show podcast Craig Courtney, said he is now optimistic about the club’s future.

He said: “Hopefully with a Bluenose in charge we can finally bring the club to its full potential. Fans also need to back this group from day one and not forget that time - Rome wasn’t built in a day, it’s going to take time but we can get there. With Paul Richardson’s business knowledge and Maxi Lopez’s footballing contacts, it could and should be a great journey together.”

What are supporters saying on social media?

Fans have been also been responding to an interview Richardson gave with talkSPORT, which you can see above.

Replying to the Tweet, one fan wrote: “That’s a man who isn’t investing just for his own pure greed and self benefit. Clearly has a more realistic grasp on what needs to be done and hopefully will set about doing it in the right way.”

Another wrote: “Hmmm, I remain sceptical.”

One fan said: “What a day to be a Bluenose! We should be very excited about our future. Paul Richardson - an incredible businessman and Blues fan. Maxi Lopez - had a career at the highest level, you can only imagine the contacts he has in the game, players/agents. Let’s get behind them!! Up the Blues.”

Another wrote: “Let’s just hope Blues fans realise this is going to be a long term thing and not to expect success anytime soon.”

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