Watt wasted no time sending out a message once VSL’s takeover of Espanyol was finalised. The La Liga side first confirmed in July that an agreement was in place for VSL, fronted by American businessman Alan Pace, to replace Chinese company Rastar Group as the club’s majority shareholder.
The 36-year-old, who was in attendance for Espanyol’s opening weekend win over Atletico Madrid back in August, posted on his official X account: “Oficialment oficial. Som els Pericos. Posem fil a l’agulla!” which translates from Catalan to English as: “Officially official. We are the Pericos. Let’s get to work!”
Watt also posted the same message in Spanish as he looks to quickly endear himself to fans of the Liga outfit.
Pace, meanwhile, insists that both Espanyol and Burnley will remain separate entities despite operating under the same ownership. “Football has always belonged to its people. Our role is not to replace legacy, but to build upon it, with care, with clarity and with purpose,” Pace is quoted as saying by ESPN.
“This is not about ownership; it’s about stewardship. Burnley will remain Burnley. Espanyol will remain Espanyol. Each club will retain its own leadership, identity, independence and decision-making, run by its own people, for its own supporters.
“We are here to do the work. Honestly, carefully, and openly. To respect the past, support the present, and shape a future worthy of both clubs’ proud traditions. This is how football evolves, with its people, for its people and always for the beautiful game.”
Pace also praised former owners Rastar Group and their chairman Chen Yansheng following finalisation of the takeover, adding: “I would also like to express my gratitude to Chen Yansheng and the Rastar Group for their stewardship of RCD Espanyol.
“Their hard work and commitment have laid a strong foundation, and we look forward to working alongside them as we aim to take the club to the next level.”
Under the Rastar Group’s nine-year stewardship, Espanyol have been relegated twice, but returned to La Liga in 2024 and having beaten the drop last season, they have made a commendable start to the 2025/26 campaign. Indeed, they currently sit ninth having picked up 12 points from the opening eight games ahead of their trip to Real Oviedo next week.
VSL’s purchase of Espanyol means Burnley are the latest Premier League side to enter into multi-club ownership. The City Football Group have 13 clubs worldwide, with Manchester City undoubtedly their biggest, while Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are others whose owners have sporting interests elsewhere.
This proved a problem for Palace earlier this year after they were demoted to the UEFA Conference League due to their links with French side Lyon, who will compete in the Europa League. Palace’s place in Europe’s second club competition was subsequently handed to Nottingham Forest, who have picked up one point from their opening two Europa League fixtures.
Burnley, meanwhile, have made a stuttering start upon their return to the Premier League and are currently 18th in the division having failed to win their last five matches, losing four times and drawing with Forest in that run. The Clarets welcome fellow promoted side Leeds to Turf Moor in their first game after the international break next weekend, and the game already feels like it is a must-win for both sides; Leeds have enjoyed a stronger start and sit 15th, with two wins, two draws, and three defeats from their first five games. They were beaten by Tottenham before the break.
