Aston Villa: Tony Jiantong Xia, new president after takeover of the club by Recon Group

Aston Villa FC (2015-16 Premier League, 2016-17 Championship) confirmed the acquisition of a 100% stake in the club by Recon Group, owned by Tony Xia, following validation of the purchase by the Football League, on 14/06/2016. The transaction amount is estimated at £76m (€96m) by British media.

Tony Xia became the chairman of Aston Villa and successor as the majority shareholder of the "Villans" to Randy Lerner (USA), who owned the club since 2006. Randy Lerner left the presidency of the club on 14/01/2016, to be replaced by Steve Hollis (UK), president of the Birmingham Metropolitan College, until the sale of the club.

According to several British media outlets, the businessman could inject £60m (€76m) into the club, plus the amount invested so as to buy Aston Villa to cover operating costs. A budget of £30m (€38m) would include provision for Roberto Di Matteo (ITA), the new head coach, to recruit for the 2016 season, aiming to regain their place in the 2017-18 Premier League.

• Aston Villa finished in 20^th and last place in the 2015-16 Premier League Top English professional…