Aston Villa’s owners, V Sports, have bought a stake in Ligue 2 club FC Annecy, the French club confirmed on Tuesday.
It is a deal that has been in the works for several months and the beginnings of a partnership between the two clubs were seen with the arrival of Triston Rowe over the summer. The English defender joined the French club on a straight loan this season, helping the club to a seventh-place finish. It meant that they narrowly missed out on the play-offs.
In a short communiqué, Annecy did not reveal the share bought by V Sports. However, L’Équipe understands the percentage to be around 30%. As well as Aston Villa and now Annecy, V Sports also have Vitoria SC in their ‘portfolio’.
It is expected that Aston Villa will send players to the French club in order to develop, just as they have done with Rowe this season.
