Cardiff City takeover news: Mehmet Dalman speaks out, Gareth Bale "hope", Neil Warnock comments | OneFootball

All the latest takeover talk from South Wales

Cardiff City find themselves at the centre of intensifying takeover speculation following the club's relegation to League One, with multiple parties reportedly expressing interest in acquiring the Welsh side.

Former Wales and Real Madrid legend Gareth Bale has publicly acknowledged that a consortium under his leadership has submitted several formal offers to purchase his hometown club.

Simultaneously, reports have emerged suggesting interest from a South African-backed investment group, though these claims have been disputed by Cardiff officials.

Chairman Mehmet Dalman has categorically dismissed much of the circulating speculation as "fiction," maintaining that current Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan has no immediate plans to divest his stake in the club.

Here's what we know about the current state of takeover discussions and the key figures involved.

Dalman dismisses Cardiff City takeover talk as ‘fiction’

Speaking on the matter, Dalman confirmed that while Cardiff have received informal approaches from prospective buyers, only one inquiry has warranted serious consideration - and even this has not progressed to active negotiations.

“Nobody from a South African consortium came to see me,” Dalman stated.

The Bluebirds chairman further clarified that no formal discussions have been initiated with the EFL or regulatory bodies, nor had he personally attempted to organise a consortium to buy the club.

Dalman emphasised the importance of transparency and proof of funds before considering any serious offer: “For me to take anybody seriously, I need to know who they are in their entirety, proof of funds, lawyers, and accountants.”

The chairman also reiterated that the Bluebirds’ primary focus remains securing promotion back to the Championship rather than entertaining potentially disruptive takeover talks.

Gareth Bale confirms consortium offers but declines to comment on Cardiff future

Gareth Bale has confirmed that his consortium has submitted multiple offers to acquire Cardiff, which the club’s current ownership has yet to accept.

Speaking at the AIG Women’s Open in Royal Porthcawl, Bale declined to comment directly on the takeover situation, instead focusing on his passion for golf and retirement plans.

Nevertheless, Bale has previously expressed optimism about future prospects: "We have a brand new offer on the table, which we think is very fair, if not more than fair. It's exciting news.

"We hope the current owners will take it seriously so we can take full control and get on with what we want to do - to create Cardiff into the club that we know it can be."

Despite Bale’s public positivity, Vincent Tan’s willingness to sell remains uncertain.

Dalman has previously indicated that Tan would only consider offers that reflect appropriate valuations, preferably with the club competing in the Championship or Premier League rather than League One.

The club’s relegation last season inevitably caused a drop in its value, complicating any prospective deals.

Neil Warnock and Dean Saunders weigh in on takeover prospects

The takeover saga has attracted commentary from two prominent former Bluebirds managers, Neil Warnock and Dean Saunders, both of whom praised the club’s stature and potential under new ownership.

Warnock, who guided Cardiff to Premier League promotion during the 2017/18 season, described the club as "fabulous" while highlighting its passionate supporter base.

Saunders echoed these sentiments, emphasising Cardiff's status as the Welsh capital's premier football institution and its substantial fan following.

"If somebody came to me and said, 'Shall I buy Cardiff City?' I'd say yes - if you get it at the right price," Saunders told talkSPORT's Breakfast Show. "That club can go all the way up."

Cardiff City’s future hinges on Vincent Tan’s willingness to sell

Vincent Tan's Cardiff ownership has been characterised by notable achievements - including two Premier League promotions - but also periods of controversy that have generated significant fan unrest.

The club's recent relegation to League One, coupled with ongoing managerial instability and supporter discontent, has intensified calls for ownership change among the fanbase.

Tan continues to provide substantial financial support - however, supporters remain critical of the club's off the pitch strategy, particularly the absence of a permanent sporting or technical director, a factor many cite as contributing to Cardiff's decline.

Dalman has indicated that while Tan remains open to selling, any transaction must reflect the Bluebirds' true potential, which is underpinned by its Premier League-standard stadium and substantial supporter base.

"I would not want to sell at this level," Dalman explained.