First Wrexham now Birmingham City FC? Why American sporting royalty wants a piece of the soccer pie

In his slick promotional video, the greatest quarterback of all time pulled on a close-fitting new Birmingham City shirt and delivered a humble message. “Let’s just say, I’ve got a lot to learn,” said Tom Brady, announcing himself as the latest A-list American investor in English football. Actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought Wrexham AFC in 2021, the NBA’s LeBron James has some interest in Liverpool, actor Michael B Jordan is a part-owner at Bournemouth while golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas joined the 49ers group takeover at Leeds United. Five-time Super Bowl MVP Brady acknowledged in his message on Thursday that fans are entitled to ask “what do you know about English football, Tom?” However, while Birmingham decline to detail how much Brady - who has amassed more than £200 million over a playing career in earnings and endorsements - is really investing, other clubs and financial specialists have different questions. “Is this a naked PR exercise?,” texted one rival club executive as Tom Wagner, who purchased a 45 per cent stake at City in July, announced Brady would work with the board on partnership opportunities, as well as “health, wellness and recovery programs”.