Two Argentines, one Hungarian club: How new club-owners see opportunity in the market
PR | The two Argentines, Damian Pedrosa (left) and Andres Jornet (right), have owned the Hungarian club ZTE since June.
The Recap
Off The Pitch speaks with Executive President Damian Pedrosa about why he and fellow Argentine Andres Jornet have taken over Hungarian club Zalaegerszegi TE this summer.
Data Insight
The pair finalised a privately funded takeover in June and executed a major rebuild in their first window, with 17 departures and 16 arrivals reshaping the squad.
Why It Matters
They view Hungary’s infrastructure, relatively open pathway to European competitions and limited competition from foreign ownership as a strategic entry point into European football.
The Perspective
This move reflects growing interest in Eastern Europe from international investors, where club valuations remain accessible and few foreign owners are currently active.
26 November 2025 - 2:52 PM
When Hungarian club Zalaegerszegi TE (ZTE) changed hands this summer, the buyers were not a local consortium or regional investors. Instead, the topflight club was acquired by two Argentines with long experience in their domestic football industry.
Damian Pedrosa, now Executive President of ZTE, and his former colleague Andres Jornet, the club’s President of Sport, first met at Club Atlético Talleres in Córdoba in Argentina, where Pedrosa was
Get smarter in minutes. Straight to your inbox
21-day free trial
Activate instantly with the link we’ll send you.