Jorge Mendes is one of the most powerful people in football today. Born in January of 1966 in Lisbon, Portugal, he grew up playing football. After being rejected by numerous clubs in Portugal, he accepted that being a professional footballer was not for him. He became a DJ, and then went on to open a restaurant and then a bar to make a living for himself.
Mendes eventually came back to football when he began his career as an agent. Today he represents the biggest names in world football, both players and managers.
With a list of clients that include the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Radamel Falcao, David de Gea, James Rodriguez, Thiago Silva and Jose Mourinho to name just a few, he is easily among the most successful and influential agents.
However, the 50-year-old Portuguese is not satisfied. He is looking for ways to expand and play a part in different elements of the industry.
Holding a minority stake in the Chinese conglomerate Fosun International, he was involved in the deal that saw the company successfully take over Wolverhampton Wanderers for £45m. The same company is now involved in a bid to buy Italian giants AC Milan, and obviously, Mendes will play an important role in the negotiations.
Also read: Chinese conglomerate Fosun International buys Wolverhampton Wanderers for £45m
However, Fosun International are not the only interested party in the Milan takeover. The club are also currently in negotiations with GSR capital, who had made a bid earlier. The deal as it currently stands would see GSR pay €500m for 100% ownership of AC Milan shares, in addition to another €240m to pay off the club’s debt.
A major obstacle in the way of the deal is whether or not GSR will be able or willing to spend money in the current transfer window, as the club require reinforcements on the pitch.
Current President of the club Silvio Berlusconi, who has owned the club since 1986, is looking to leave the club in capable hands.“I had a period of 26 years which then became 30. My concern is that during the last four years, I have not managed to do things as I did in the past,” he said.
“The choice I am making is an important one. I want to deliver AC Milan to people who can make the club a major force again not only in Italy but in Europe and the world.”
While selling the club to the Chinese Conglomerate won’t put Mendes directly in charge, Fosun International will rely heavily upon him for advice and ideas. Having someone as well connected and influential as Jorge Mendes involved will surely mean good things for the club.
