A former Chelsea loanee has held talks with Colchester United in a surprising twist, as Robbie Cowling looks to step away from the League Two club after almost two decades at the helm
Aaron Morris Senior Sports Reporter
10:24, 26 Jan 2026Updated 10:24, 26 Jan 2026
A general view of the JobServe Community Stadium
View 2 Images
Alexandre Pato has held talks with Colchester United(Image: Matthew Ashton - AMA, Getty Images)
Alexandre Pato has engaged in provisional talks with Colchester United, as the former Chelsea striker could potentially orchestrate a remarkable takeover of the League Two club.
According to the Daily Gazette, the Brazilian has been in contact with United owner and chairman Robbie Cowling regarding a possible investment.
While the exact nature of Pato's involvement remains uncertain should negotiations advance, Cowling is actively seeking a sale of the club to a suitable prospective purchaser. Pato was amongst a group of guests at the JobServe Community Stadium on Saturday to watch the U's clash with Fleetwood Town.
Alexandre Pato runs
View 2 Images
Alexandre Pato played for Chelsea on loan in 2016(Image: Getty)
The match finished 2-1 in favour of the home side, courtesy of strikes from Kyreece Lisbie and Micah Mbick - with Ethan Ennis' late effort serving as little more than a consolation for the Cod Army, reports the Express.
The 36-year-old enjoyed a pitchside tour with Cowling prior to the victory, whilst Colchester MP Pam Cox was also welcomed in the Chairman's Suite for the fixture.
The development comes as Cowling seeks to step down from the club following nearly two decades in charge, though only if he can ensure it remains in competent hands moving forward.
A proposed acquisition by Lightwell Sports Group collapsed last summer, however investors from Europe, the US and the Middle East have subsequently shown an interest in purchasing the club.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
At present, Colchester sit eighth in the League Two table, sitting just three points adrift of a play-off spot following 11 victories, nine draws and six defeats this season. The club has been trapped in the fourth tier of English football ever since dropping out of League One at the close of the 2015/16 campaign.
Pato enjoyed a brilliant playing career that stretched nearly two decades before calling time in 2023.
Having emerged from Internacional's youth ranks in 2006, the Brazilian made the switch to AC Milan a year later - with the tantalising prospect of lining up alongside legends such as Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Cafu, Dida, Ronaldo and Kaka, to mention just a few.
Article continues below
Following a productive spell that saw him notch 63 goals and 18 assists for I Rossoneri, the striker made the move to Corinthians in 2013. During his three-year period in Brazil, he embarked on a short-lived loan with Chelsea in 2016, though his recollections of Stamford Bridge are unlikely to bring much joy.
Pato managed just two outings for the Blues before heading back to his parent club, subsequently moving on to Villarreal. The forward then had spells with Tianjin Tianhai, Orlando City and Sao Paulo before retiring in 2023.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£43
£35
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.