Former Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand is leading an £87m investment proposal for League One side AFC Wimbledon, months after John Terry’s attempt to buy League Two club Colchester United collapsed.

Bertrand, who also played for Southampton, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, won the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup with Chelsea. He is best remembered for his Champions League debut in the 2012 final against Bayern Munich, playing 73 minutes as a left midfielder before the Blues won on penalties.

Chelsea have been dominant against Tottenham for many years, but what does Xabi Alonso need to do to ensure this run keeps going?

The Blues haven't lost to Tottenham since 2023 👀

Ryan Bertrand targets 34% stake in AFC Wimbledon

Ryan Bertrand is part of a consortium with British technology expert Omar Mir, who would fund the project through Sloane Street Capital (SSC). The group is seeking a 34% stake in AFCW PLC, the company that runs AFC Wimbledon.

Under the proposed deal, SSC would invest an initial £16m, followed by a further £71m over five seasons until 2030-31. If approved, the group would oversee football operations, with Bertrand becoming a senior football advisor.

The 37-year-old is enthusiastic about the project and wants to help the club grow without losing its identity. “AFC Wimbledon’s story is unique in English football, and it was built by its supporters. We felt at home from our very first meetings,” Bertrand said, via BBC Sport.

“We are not here to change what this club is. We are here to help it go further on and off the pitch, for the men’s team, the women’s team and the academy. It would be an honour to join the Wimbledon family and help write the next chapter.”

The deal would also protect AFC Wimbledon’s fan ownership model. The Dons Trust currently holds 50.01% of the voting shares, and they would remain in control. They would also retain veto powers over the club’s name, badge, colours and home ground. The Dons Trust board presented the proposal to members on Wednesday, with voting closing on 17 November.

John Terry’s failed £14m bid to buy Colchester United

Ryan Bertrand’s proposal comes after a consortium involving ex-Chelsea captain John Terry failed to complete a deal to buy Colchester United. Terry’s group reportedly offered £14m for the Essex club, and the Blues legend was spotted watching them beat Accrington Stanley 2-1 in April.

The League Two club confirmed in June that both parties had agreed to end discussions following due diligence. “Following an extended period of due diligence and discussions, the parties have agreed not to proceed with the transaction. The decision has been reached amicably and with mutual respect,” Colchester said.

Owner Robbie Cowling thanked those involved and wished the consortium well. Previous attempts to find a buyer had also fallen through, including a proposed deal involving former Brazil international and Chelsea forward Alexandre Pato.