Alexandre Pato-Backed Consortium Cleared to Buy Stake in Northampton Town

An investment group that includes former Chelsea and Brazil forward Alexandre Pato has been given regulatory approval to acquire a shareholding in Northampton Town, with the League Two club aiming to use the investment to clear its debt following relegation.

Both the Independent Football Regulator and the English Football League have signed off on the deal, according to the BBC. Pato is part of the consortium alongside Sports Alpha Capital and London-based firm Gemcorp Capital.

The approval brings an end to months of uncertainty around the takeover. Northampton first confirmed they were in talks with the group back in April, after Sports Alpha Capital had previously pulled out of a separate deal with Colchester United.

Northampton chairman Kelvin Thomas welcomed the news, saying the deal had been through a thorough vetting process. "This has been a detailed and rigorous process," Thomas said. He pointed to the consortium's regular presence at matches as a sign of genuine interest in the club, and said he's hopeful the investors can bring more than just money to Northampton. "With significant Brazilian representation within the group we also hope they might bring a little Brazilian excitement and flair with them."

The investment comes at a tough time for the Cobblers, who were relegated to League Two after finishing bottom of League One last season and posting pre-tax losses of just under £3 million. Thomas has said previously that the new investment is expected to wipe out the club's existing debt and put it on a more stable financial footing going forward.

Pato, 37, played for clubs including Villarreal, Sao Paulo, Corinthians and Orlando City during his playing career before retiring last year. He is now moving into club ownership as part of the consortium.

With regulatory approval now secured, Northampton are working to finalize the remaining paperwork to complete the takeover. On the pitch, manager Chris Hogg, who took charge in May, has already brought in 13 new signings this summer, including striker Matty Warhurst from Manchester City, as he looks to rebuild the squad.

Further details on the investment structure and the individuals involved are expected to be released once the deal is officially completed.