Former Brazil Star Alexandre Pato in Sensational Talks to Buy Colchester United
In a remarkable development that could reshape the future of an English Football League club, former Brazil international Alexandre Pato has held preliminary talks about purchasing League Two side Colchester United. The 36-year-old, who retired from professional football in 2023, visited the club over the weekend as a guest of current owner and chairman Robbie Cowling.
Initial Discussions Held After Weekend Visit
Alexandre Pato was present at the JobServe Community Stadium on Saturday to watch Colchester United secure a 2-1 victory against Fleetwood Town. During his visit, the former AC Milan striker engaged in initial discussions with Robbie Cowling regarding a potential takeover of the Essex-based club. While the precise nature of any investment remains unclear at this early stage, the talks represent a significant development in Cowling's long-standing efforts to find a suitable successor.
Robbie Cowling, who has owned and chaired Colchester United for nearly two decades, has been transparent about his desire to step away from the club. His commitment to ensuring a smooth transition is evident in his previous statements about wanting his final decision to be "his absolute best decision" regarding who he hands the club to.
Pato's Illustrious Career and Post-Retirement Moves
The Brazilian forward enjoyed a distinguished playing career that saw him earn 27 caps for his national team and achieve notable success in European football. Pato is perhaps best remembered for his six-year spell with Italian giants AC Milan, where he was part of the squad that won Serie A in the 2010/11 season. His club career also included stints at Brazilian sides Internacional, Corinthians, and Sao Paulo, as well as Villarreal, Chelsea (on loan), and Orlando City.
Since retiring from playing three years ago, Pato has transitioned into media work as a commentator and pundit. However, he has also been actively networking within football's business circles, recently attending the FIFA club management summit. This move into potential club ownership would follow a growing trend of high-profile former players investing in football clubs, similar to Luka Modric's involvement with Swansea City's ownership structure.
Colchester's Current Situation and Previous Takeover Attempts
Colchester United's search for new ownership has been ongoing, with a previous proposed takeover from US-based Lightwell Sports Group, led by American businessman Tim Foley, collapsing last summer. The club is currently working with American consultant Mitchell B. Reiss to identify suitable buyers who can take the club "to another level," as Cowling has previously emphasized.
On the pitch, Colchester are enjoying a promising season under manager Danny Cowley. The team currently sits eighth in League Two, just three points outside the play-off positions, following their weekend victory. Their recent form has been particularly impressive, with the club unbeaten in their last six matches, recording four wins and two draws as they target promotion in their tenth consecutive season in the fourth tier.
Manager's Perspective and Club Ambitions
After the crucial win against Fleetwood Town, manager Danny Cowley praised his squad's resilience and determination. "We have a huge amount of challenges, not just in the lead up to the game but also during the game, so I think it's credit to the group and their resilience and determination to find a way to win," he stated. The manager emphasized the importance of focusing on the present moment and the immediate challenges ahead as the club pursues its promotion ambitions.
While talks between Alexandre Pato and Robbie Cowling are at an early stage, the potential involvement of such a high-profile former international player has generated considerable excitement among supporters and observers of League Two football. The coming weeks are likely to provide greater clarity about whether this surprising development will lead to a formal takeover bid for Colchester United Football Club.
