Kiat Lim has asked his father, majority owner Peter Lim, not to sell Valencia Club de Fútbol. The conversation, held in Singapore a couple of weeks ago with a former club executive, signals a shift in the ownership strategy for a team currently 19th in LaLiga with just five points.

The current president feels comfortable in his role and wants to lead. Kiat Lim aims to stay at the head of the board of directors and steer his father's 'company' to a safe harbour. He has visited Valencia more frequently than Peter Lim in recent months and has taken calls from important football figures worldwide. Aware of the animosity towards his family in the city, his intention is to lead the management.

The Nou Mestalla Project

The club's future now hinges on leveraging the income possibilities of the new stadium. The opening of Nou Mestalla, scheduled for the 2027/2028 season, is the central pillar of the plan. With a capacity for 70,044 spectators, the goal is to reach 50,000 season ticket holders, which would raise annual income from this stream from approximately 25 to 38 million euros. The organisation of season ticket holder groups will begin this October and seat selection will continue until May 2027. This financial boost will be key for planning future squads and signings.

Strengthening the Sporting Team

Recent moves in the sporting structure have strengthened Kiat Lim's role. Following the departure of Carlos Corberán, Braulio Vázquez was appointed sporting director and Javier Aguirre was hired as head coach. Vázquez will work under Kiat Lim's presidency to design future squads, a process influenced by the economic contribution of the new stadium. Meanwhile, the team looks to react on the pitch after a 2-2 draw with Racing Santander, with the next league fixture at home to Villarreal.

No sale process has been announced nor has any acquisition offer been accepted by the ownership. The next step will be to evaluate Kiat Lim's management this season and Peter Lim's decisions as the Nou Mestalla inauguration approaches.

More detail at Marca - Primera