Here’s what you need to know about the Hoppers earthquake: Will GC now become Bayern Munich’s farm team?

About thirteen months ago, the Americans first approached the Chinese about taking over GC. After that, there was no further progress for a long time because price expectations were too far apart. The breakthrough only came shortly before Christmas 2023. Probably also because the Americans gave the Chinese the signal: either you agree with our ideas – or we withdraw! According to Blick-Infos, Bayern Munich also played a major role in the deal by convincing those responsible at partner club Los Angeles to buy GC.

The previous owners quickly had to put aside their desire to get back the 50 million invested. The exact purchase price is not known. However, it can be assumed that the Chinese should be happy that someone is taking over their very loss-making company.

Rumors continued to circulate about a Swiss solution. This also happened shortly after New Year’s Eve. None of this was ever serious, though.

The Chinese took over 90 percent of the shares from Stephan Anliker and Peter Stüber in 2020. And have since bought another 6.5 percent from small shareholders. The Americans now take over 96.5 percent of the shares. The remaining 3.5 percent is owned by the GC Fussball Foundation. According to a triangular agreement between the owners, Grasshopper Fussball AG and the foundation, the club has several rights: The owners are not allowed to change the club colors or the logo of the Hoppers. And if the Americans want to sell again at some point, the foundation has a right of first refusal.

In March 2023, Los Angeles FC and Bayern Munich founded the joint venture ‘Red & Gold Football’ and bought Uruguayan top club Racing Montevideo last December. Other clubs will follow. However, Bavaria is not involved in the purchase of GC – legally, the Hoppers are only acquired by Los Angeles. It couldn’t have been otherwise because according to UEFA regulations, two teams from the same composition are not allowed to participate in the European Cup at the same time. In practice, however, there will be similarities between Bayern and GC: Bayern talents could find their way to Zurich. And if the jump to the Bundesliga is too big for a talent from Uruguay, he could be temporarily parked in the rankings.

Anyone who thinks that GC will now attract many prominent and expensive stars to join them, that won’t happen. But just like FC Lugano, thanks to the millions from Chicago, GC can compete for promising talent from home and abroad in the future. And in addition to the financial aspect, you can also score points with the connection with Bavaria or the possibility of moving from the rankings to the American MLS.

No. Johns is Chief Financial Officer at Los Angeles FC and is needed there. The Americans want to install operational management staff in Zurich who are familiar with the economy and football in Europe and Switzerland. Fredy Bickel is discussed as the new CEO.

Los Angeles FC recently appointed German Harald Gärtner as head of its football operations in Europe. He will lead GC’s transfer activities in the coming weeks. Current sports director Bernt Haas will probably leave the rankings sooner or later and have to make way for a successor.