West Bromwich Albion: Shilen Patel set to become chairman after takeover agreed

West Bromwich Albion are currently fifth in the Championship

American businessman Shilen Patel is to become West Bromwich Albion chairman after a deal to purchase an 87.8% stake in the Championship club was agreed.

The takeover by Bilkul Football WBA, owned by Florida-based Patel and his father Kiran Patel, has been approved by the English Football League.

Shilen Patel said he "looks forward to the deal completing next week".

Albion, who are currently fifth in the second tier, have been owned by Guochuan Lai since 2016.

BBC Sport reported in January that Patel had become a significant candidate to take control of the club.

In a club statement, he said: "I am thrilled and grateful to have reached an agreement to become the custodian of West Bromwich Albion.

"The club's exceptional history, support and potential set it apart, even here in the cradle of football.

"My goal is to help achieve a future worthy of its history as a pioneering top-flight club that marshals the pride and passion that have defined the Albion for generations."

Albion confirmed in November they had taken out another loan for an unspecified amount from American investment group MSD Holdings, on top of the £20m they borrowed in December 2022, to help with "ongoing funding".

The Baggies have not played in the Premier League since being relegated at the end of the 2020-21 season.

Patel is expected to be attendance for a first public appearance on Friday night when Albion host third-placed Southampton at The Hawthorns (20:00 GMT).

Fans showed prospective new owners the way

Baggies supporters' group ActionForAlbion issued a statement to say: "We welcome the news of the takeover of West Bromwich Albion by Shilen Patel and we look forward to what we hope is a bright new future.

"We are delighted that Shilen Patel has identified West Bromwich Albion as a club worth investing in.

"We are of the firm belief that it is the visible dedication of our fans during this period that has shown our prospective new owners that West Bromwich Albion is the right club for them to invest in.

"We are proud of our fans. They are the ones that raised the alarm. They are the ones that brought the story to the world. They are the ones that went about protesting in the right way - a peaceful and constructive way."Our fans voted with their feet. Not to turn their back on the club, but to turn out in ever greater numbers."

Takeover offers 'more clarity' - analysis

Steve Hermon, BBC Radio WM's West Brom commentator

It is fantastic news for the fans and The Hawthorns will be rocking for the game [against Southampton].

But it is fantastic news for the staff at the football club; when financial issues happen, the staff can be forgotten.

Whether that is in the office, the reception, the club shop, the tea lady, the people in the communications department; they were facing uncertain futures.

Depending on what happened with promotion, that was going to be crucial for their jobs. Hopefully there is a bit more clarity.