The rich and celebrities at the top of football are increasingly entering into a new echelon of wealth, such as some of the highest earning athletes in the game. In recent years, a number of players have become involved in club ownership, but few saw Luka Modric become co-owners in Swansea City.
Last week it was announced that the 39-year-old Ballon d'Or winner would buy a minority stake on the Welsh side, which are currently in the English championship. Many have asked how and why this originated. The athletics says that Modric has acquired an interest of around 5%, and as an avid football fan was well aware of Swansea, and in particular their exploits in the Premier League in recent years.
Owners Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen were looking for an investor to increase the profile of the club, to advise on improvements on the field and to give credibility to their property, a la Tom Brady in Birmingham City. Cravatt was introduced to Modric in October and his adviser Borja Couce last October and was seen as the perfect investor. The experienced midfielder would like to give a priority to Real Madrid, where he wants to continue to play, and keeps Los Blancos informed of the deal during the negotiations, which were closed a few months ago.
Modric is described as 'passionate' about the project, would like to learn about the football company and also to help Swansea with his football knowledge and his connections in the game. The plan that is initially described for Modric's involvement is that he gives advice at the highest level and to help players recruit. The profile modric entails in terms of commercial opportunities for sponsors, is another benefit of his involvement.
Some teammates from Modric are already involved in club ownership at Real Madrid. Vinicius Junior recently acquired a majority stake as part of an investment group in the Portuguese second -class Side FC Alverca, and Kylian Mbappe is a majority shareholder in Ligue 2 Side Side Side Caen. Modric wants to expand its contract in Real Madrid for a different season, although there are doubts about whether the club is willing to do this.