[REVISION HISTORY]

Potential acquisition of CD Eldense by football investors

Updated 6 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-10 22:25 UTC → 2026-09-11 11:08 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Lionel Messi has reached ~~a preliminary~~ an agreement in principle to acquire 100% of the shares of the Spanish second-division club CD Eldense from the Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group SAS, led by businessman Juan Carlos Trujillo. The ~~group has held control of the Elda-based club since October 2025. The~~ transaction is currently undergoing legal and contractual due diligence and requires official approval from Spain’s Higher Sports Council (Consejo Superior de Deportes). If finalized, this would mark Messi’s second ownership of a professional football club in Spain, following his acquisition of UE Cornellà in April 2026. While Cornellà competes in the fifth tier, Spanish legislation restricts multi-ownership if two clubs owned by the same person compete in the same ~~category, tournament,~~ category or professional competition. Because Eldense operates under LaLiga and Cornellà operates under the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), there is currently no immediate regulatory conflict. Subsequent reports indicate that Andrés Iniesta and Carles Puyol may also be part of an Argentine investment group, linked to Christian Bragarnik, involved in the acquisition. ~~This potential deal could establish a footballing structure between CD Eldense and Elche CF, potentially facilitating player exchanges between the two clubs~~ The news has generated significant local excitement in Elda, though some fans have expressed uncertainty regarding the ~~Alicante province.~~ business viability of the project. Commercial interest is already surging, with at least 11 brands reportedly exploring sponsorship opportunities following the announcement. Upon completion, Messi will ~~also~~ be subject to strict Spanish salary-cap regulations regarding squad investment. CD Eldense is currently navigating a difficult period, having earned only two points from its first four matches this season, which led to the recent dismissal of coach Claudio Barragán. ~~The mayor of Elda, Rubén Alfaro, has expressed support for the potential takeover, noting its potential to increase the city’s international profile.~~

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