Ex-footballer who was richer than David Beckham agreed to buy Man Utd but wife stopped deal
Dave Whelan was worth more than former Manchester United starDavid Beckham during the peak of his ownership at Wigan Athletic. And, had he proceeded with his plans to purchase the Red Devils, his fortune could have climbed even further.
Whelan, who held the position of chairman and owner of the current League One side for two decades, steered them through an eight-year spell in thePremier League, which included a memorableFA Cup final win over Manchester City in 2013.
While the 89-year-old is no longer involved in thesport he loves, Whelan remains a significant figure of wealth in British sport. In 2011, when Beckham was playing for LA Galaxy, Whelan was officially recognised as the wealthiest Brit still involved in football, eclipsing the former England captain.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!
After his playing career with Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra came to an end, he made his fortune by establishing his own chain of shops, drawing on his market trading experience. According to the Sunday Times Sport Rich List, Whelan's net worth stood at a gargantuan £190million, which was considerably higher than Beckham's estimated £135m at the time.
Whelan's net worth is now estimated at over £162m, a reflection of his business acumen given that he's not as immersed in the sporting world as before. Beckham, meanwhile, has raced ahead, boasting an impressive fortune believed to be worth between £500m and £700m.
• Why David Beckham didn't show for controversial Donald Trump White House visit with Inter Miami
• Inside Brooklyn Beckham's short-lived football career before he broke his dad's heart
Yet, former JJB Sports owner Whelan could have been heading towards billionaire territory had he made a relatively modest investment in the 1980s. Following talks with Old Trafford's senior figures, reports emerged that Whelan had reached a basic agreement with United officialMartin Edwards about purchasing the club during that period.
Looking back on what could have been, the businessman said: "I made the wrong decision in regards to Manchester United, because it is interesting to see what has happened since.
"The purchase of Manchester United was all sorted with Martin Edwards and was going to be sealed within 28 days."