CRISTIANO RONALDO and Elon Musk have been urged to forget the glamour of Man United – and invest in Cheltenham Town instead.
That’s according to football finance expert Dr Rob Wilson, who says the side are one of the most undervalued clubs in English football.
, 40, is tipped to make a move into club ownership once he hangs up his boots.
And while many might expect him to target , Dr Wilson thinks he should cast his eye a little lower down the football pyramid.
Speaking to Genting Casino, the Sheffield Hallam University professor said: “I’d be amazed if Ronaldo didn’t invest in an English football team.
“I would imagine he’ll be trying to sniff around getting into a club like as a strategic investment or a minority owner somehow.”;
has previously been when Fenway Sports Group opened the door to outside investment, though no formal bid ever materialised.
But Wilson believes Cheltenham Town is the smarter play.
He said: “Cheltenham Town is a massively undervalued asset with great financial fundamentals.
“So if an investor wants to look at a football club, they would do no worse than have a look at Cheltenham Town Football Club.”;
The Robins currently sit 15th in League Two after being relegated last season and operate on one of the smallest budgets in the EFL.
But Robins thinks a megastar backer could transform the club’s fortunes.
“The reality for Musk or Ronaldo now is, with the greatest respect, it’s pocket change to them because they are that wealthy,”; he added.
“It can have a transformative impact on the club and bring a huge amount of benefit.”;
But Wilson also pointed out that investors are often chasing big returns and European glory.
He added: “You’re not looking for a few million,”; he said.
“You’re looking for tens of or hundreds [of millions] or Champions League trophies that you can boast about.”;
Ronaldo’s former team-mate is a co-owner of Salford City, while the likes of and have attracted big investors.
But Cheltenham could be next on the list – if Musk or CR7 fancy a footballing project a little of the beaten track.
