Thursday briefing: Messi to expand club portfolio with takeover deal set for LaLiga 2 side

Lionel Messi is close to adding Deportivo Eldense to his football investments after agreeing terms in principle for the acquisition of the Spanish second-tier club, according to multiple media reports.

The proposed transaction would see the 39-year-old take control from Colombian businessman Juan Carlos Trujillo, who has owned Eldense since October 2025. Completion is subject to approval from the relevant authorities.

The club represent Elda, a town of around 55,000 people in Al