Eredivisie side ADO Den Haag under new Chinese ownership

Chinese company United Vansen Sports have agreed the purchase of Eredivisie side ADO Den Haag, the club announced on Tuesday.

Vansen, who have been responsibly for bringing both the Italian Supercup and French Trophee des Champions to China over recent seasons, have not revealed the exact figures of the takeover, but expect to make available a fund of 5-10 million Euro with European qualification the aim per Xinhua.

Importantly, brokers Dong Dao have insisted that the new owners will not attempt to alter any of the century-old club’s traditions. However, last year’s ninth placed side may feel a growing Chinese connection in their squad over the coming years.

“The purchase won’t change any Dutch football attribute of ADO Den Haag, only except a more ambitious goal with a bit more financial investment,” Li Chun, Dong Dao CEO told Xinhua.

“As side effect, there will be more Chinese players, teams and coaches to be trained in ADO, which could make ADO a symbol of Dutch football in China.

“This purchase thus will be good for every party, good for ADO, good for the fans from both countries, and also good for the international image of The Hague as a city, and the Netherlands as a country,” Li added, “and good for Chinese football development.”

Vansen are not the only Chinese company to have been looking at investing in European sides over recent months, with Wanda owner Wang Jianlin linked with bids for both Southampton and Valencia already in 2014.

Already, small Portuguese side Mafra are under Chinese ownership and regularly receive loanees as part of the CFA’s development programme in the Iberian country.

With Guangzhou Evergrande opening a soccer school in Madrid and Shandong Luneng in Sao Paulo, Chinese football investment is rapidly expanding as the country continues to strive to develop the game to international standards.