London (AFP) – Aston Villa revealed ambitions to become the most popular team in China after Harvard-educated businessman Tony Jiantong Xia snapped up the relegated club for a reported $87 million.

The “Villains” crashed out of England’s Premier League after winning only three times this season, but they will have their fingers crossed for better times ahead under their new ownership.

http://worldsoccertalk.com/2016/05/19/villa-to-be-most-famous-club-in-china-after-87m-swoop-2/?

They will have to fight hard for that title.

Man City already have a head start on them due to the $400m (£265m) investment from Chinese Media Corp in Dec 2015

I can't imagine china is much different to thailand and will be full of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and ManU fans. No way will Villa become the most popular team in China!

If he's a Harvard graduate he needs to learn a lot more about the Chinese (and Asian) mentality when it comes to brand identification and loyalty. Needs to build that luxury image first.

Villa?

Get real! Not in his lifetime.