Cercle Brugge has accepted AS Monaco's offer to acquire a majority share in the club, saying it ensures the survival of the Belgian capital's second-largest professional outfit.
The second-tier side now awaits confirmation of the deal from its shareholders.
Monaco stated when it submitted the offer in mid-February that:
This project forms part of AS Monaco's development strategy focused on young talent, and would give the Club the benefit of expertise from the "Belgian school," while respecting the traditions and values of Cercle Brugge, an historic club in Belgian football.
Eventually, the project will provide an additional stage in the development of young players from the AS Monaco Academy, between the reserve team (in the CFA division) and AS Monaco first team. The primary objective will be to achieve promotion to the Belgian first division.
The relationship could hold similarities to the ones Manchester City has with its sister clubs New York City FC and Melbourne City, which act as valuable scouting hubs in North America and Australasia, and also ideal destinations to send youngsters out on loan.
