Alexandre Pato-Backed Consortium Withdraws from Colchester United Takeover Talks

An investment consortium including former Brazil and AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato has withdrawn from discussions to take over Colchester United.

Pato had attended last month’s match against Fleetwood Town as a guest of chairman-owner Robbie Cowling, fuelling speculation that a deal could be close. However, both parties have now confirmed negotiations have ended.

In a joint statement, Aspire Media Group announced it would not proceed with the proposed acquisition of the League Two club by Sports Alpha Capital (SAC), the consortium managed by Joao Xavier and including Pato.

The statement added that SAC would continue exploring opportunities within English football while maintaining respect for Colchester United and its supporters.

The club said its focus remains on the remainder of the season and its ambitions for progress.

Cowling placed the club up for sale last year, though a previous agreement with US-based Lightwell Sports Group collapsed in June. The sale process reopened three months later, with Cowling stating he would take the necessary time to find the “right long-term steward” for the club.

Speaking in December, Cowling acknowledged supporters’ desire for significant investment, comparing his own approach to building “a slightly longer ladder every year” rather than delivering the “moon shot” fans crave.