AC Milan Legend Eyes SHOCK Bid for League Two Club

Former Brazil International in Early Talks for League Two Takeover

AC Milan and Brazil legend Alexandre Pato has been in early talks for a shock takeover of EFL League Two side Colchester United, according to reports.

As per Jonathan Waldron of the Daily Gazette, the former Chelsea forward has held provincial talks with current owner and chairman Robbie Cowling about the possibility of investment in the League Two club.

🚨 Former AC Milan and Brazil striker Alexandre Pato has had talks with Colchester United owner Robbie Cowling, who is seeking to sell the club

Pato watched the U's win over Fleetwood Town at the JobServe Community Stadium on Saturday #ColU

FULL STORY: https://t.co/LAVy5AXqB2 pic.twitter.com/furkzSoc3b

— Jon Waldron (@JonWaldron1) January 26, 2026

Negotiations are believed to be in their early stages, with no indication available yet as to whether or not Pato will be successful in his attempts to invest in the club, but Cowling is believed to be active in the process of selling the club to the right buyer.

Pato was one of a group of guests who watched Colchester’s game with Fleetwood Town at the JobServe Community Stadium, on Saturday. The 36-year-old was taken pitch side by Cowling and U’s consultant Mitchell B. Reiss, ahead of the club’s 2-1 triumph.

Pato Plans Colchester Project

Alex Pato's net worth currently is estimated as being around the £110m mark after a successful stint as a player and some smart business investments off the pitch. Cowling is currently looking to step away as the owner and chairman of Colchester United after almost two decades in his post, and he is looking to find a long-term prospective owner to replace him.

Alexandre Pato (€3M) - Corinthians to Villarreal (2016) pic.twitter.com/zbKbsMbfmp

— Transfersthathappened (@actualtransfers) May 4, 2025

The stalwart wishes to pass the club over to the next generation of management, and is prioritising the transfer of the club to safe hands.

A proposed takeover was in place by the American-based Lightwell Sports Group, but the move fell through back in the summer. Potential investors from the UK, Europe and the United States have all expressed a strong interest in purchasing the club, who currently sit 8th in the League Two table in a hunt for the playoffs.