Ex-Man Utd chief Ed Woodward could make stunning return to football as part of Crystal Palace ownership group Eagle Football Holdings

According to Sky Sports News, Woodward has been approached by Eagle Football Holdings as the company prepares for a public listing in the United States. During his tenure at Manchester United, he was instrumental in the Glazer family's acquisition of the club in 2005.

Eagle Football Holdings, led by American businessman John Textor, is preparing to file confidentially with US regulators for an initial public offering (IPO) in the coming weeks. If successful, the listing could help the company raise several hundred million dollars and push its valuation beyond $2 billion. Textor's group currently holds a 45 per cent stake in Premier League club Crystal Palace. Despite previous efforts to sell this stake, the improved performance of the club in England’s top flight has led to a reconsideration, with Eagle Football now potentially retaining its share in the London-based side.

In recent months, Eagle Football has made significant changes to its board, bringing in new directors as it moves closer to becoming a publicly traded company. Among those recently appointed are Alex Bafer, a former executive at FuboTV, Frank Patterson, president and CEO of Trilith Studios, and finance executive Sam Lynn. The company’s current board includes representatives of its lenders, but these individuals will submit their papers once the IPO process is completed. If the listing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission proceeds, Eagle Football’s stock could begin trading within a few months.

With Eagle Football’s plans to raise significant capital through its US listing, the company is positioning itself for long-term expansion in global football ownership. Beyond Crystal Palace, Eagle Football Holdings has built an extensive portfolio of football clubs worldwide. The company owns Brazilian champions Botafogo, Belgian outfit RW Molenbeek, and FC Florida in the United States. Last year, Textor attempted to expand his football empire further by pursuing a takeover of Everton. However, his bid was unsuccessful as AS Roma owner Dan Friedkin outbid him in the acquisition race.