Getty Images October 24, 2025, 3:20 p.m

Espanyol, Barcelona’s historic cross-town rival, officially has a new owner. The president of English Burnley completed the operation to purchase the club from the previous owner, Chinese businessman Chen Yansheng. ​

American entrepreneur, owner of the VSL (Velocity Sport Limited) group, Alan Pace, made an extremely ambitious statement, comparing his plans to the rise of Manchester City, which challenged the dominance of Manchester United in England. ​

“We want to become the new Man City or Man United,” Paice said in an interview with Goal. “Our goal is not just to beat Barcelona in the derby. We are here to create a fairy tale in La Liga, win the league title and regularly compete in the Champions League.”

To achieve these ambitious goals, the American investor plans significant financial infusions both in transfers to strengthen the team and in the development of club infrastructure.