Manchester City parent company City Football Group (CFG) has confirmed the purchase of Belgian second-division club Lommel SK.
Lommel, who play in the north-west of the country close to the border with the Netherlands, were sixth in the standings this season when the decision was taken to end the campaign as a result of the pandemic that has disrupted leagues around the world.
They will become the third European club in the stable - alongside City and Spanish side Girona - and it is understood that debts of £1.75m will be wiped out as part of the deal. The group also have full or part ownership of teams across four other continents: New York City, Melbourne City, Yokohama F Marinos, Montevideo City Torque, Sichuan Jiuniu and Mumbai City.
“We are excited to welcome Lommel SK to City Football Group and to work together with the fans and the city to develop the club," said Ferran Soriano, CFG chief executive.
"Belgium is one of Europe’s best football countries as demonstrated by the success of the national team and the development of world-class players, some of whom we know very well, like Kevin De Bruyne and Vincent Kompany.
“This investment is part of our long-term strategy to be present in key football countries, play beautiful football and develop talent.
"We were attracted to Lommel’s culture, training facilities and commitment to youth development and we look forward to learning from their approach and helping the club to evolve in the months and years ahead.”
