Massive Evangelos Marinakis Takeover Bombshell as Shock Talks Emerge with New Club

Nottingham Forest Owner Marinakis Eyes São Paulo Investment

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is reportedly in talks to invest in Brazilian club São Paulo, as the Greek businessman looks to expand his global football portfolio.

Previously linked with Vasco da Gama, Marinakis faced stiff competition for the club, despite enthusiasm from Vasco fans for his potential takeover. With that deal uncertain, attention has now shifted to São Paulo, a heavyweight in Brazilian football.

São Paulo president Julio Casares confirmed early-stage discussions, telling Terra: “We’re talking. It’s still embryonic, I’m taking it very calmly, but we’re moving well towards bringing in a businessman linked to the sports platform, not just the financial one.”

Casares was clear, however, that any investment from Marinakis would not involve a full takeover. Instead, the club is seeking a “revenue share” model, where the investor injects capital and shares in financial proceeds without assuming full control.

While ruling out a complete sale, Casares suggested Marinakis could have first refusal if the club were ever sold. “He (Marinakis) arrives with this expectation, if he arrives,” Casares said. “But, of course, if one day the institution discusses a SAF, naturally he will have the preference to listen first.”

The São Paulo president also expressed optimism about the potential benefits of such an arrangement, stating, “São Paulo has a lever that could be discussed in the future, if the institution thinks so. I’m not going to talk about money, but São Paulo will start to breathe and be competitive.”

For now, the discussions remain at a preliminary stage, but Marinakis’s interest highlights his ambitions to further expand his influence in the world of football.