Burnley’s ownership group ALK Capital has expanded its European football footprint after completing the purchase of a majority stake in Spanish side RCD Espanyol.
The deal was finalised by ALK’s sports investment arm, Velocity Sports Partners (VSP), marking the end of Espanyol’s ownership under the Chinese conglomerate Rastar Group.
The takeover follows months of negotiations after reports in June revealed that ALK were exploring opportunities to acquire the La Liga club.
Espanyol confirmed the completion of the sale in a statement earlier today, describing it as the start of a “new era of collaboration and strategic growth.” The transaction reportedly included a €130 million package split between cash and VSP shares.
The Barcelona-based side, who finished 14th in La Liga last season after securing promotion the previous year, will now become part of ALK’s growing network of football clubs.
VSP described the partnership as one that “builds on Espanyol’s rich legacy, loyal fanbase, and deep connection to the local community.”
Alan Pace, Burnley’s chairman and managing partner of ALK Capital, said the model is focused on responsible management rather than direct ownership.
“This is not about ownership; it is about stewardship,” he said. “Burnley will remain Burnley. Espanyol will remain Espanyol. Each club will retain its own identity, leadership, and independence, run by its own people for its own fans.”
Espanyol’s new investors say they plan to focus on strengthening the club’s infrastructure and youth development, while maintaining transparency and engagement with supporters.
“Football has always belonged to its people,” Pace added. “Our role is not to replace legacy but to build upon it with care, clarity, and purpose.”
ALK Capital completed their £170 million takeover of Burnley in December 2020, helping the Clarets return to the Premier League under Vincent Kompany after a brief relegation spell.
The group has since explored multi-club partnerships to expand its football operations, including a previous interest in Belgian side Kortrijk.
Espanyol becomes the latest European club to join an English-owned multi-club network, following examples such as Manchester City’s ownership of Girona and Aston Villa’s V Sports investment in Real Union.
The deal highlights a growing trend among Premier League ownership groups to establish international partnerships aimed at developing talent and commercial growth across Europe.
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