- US investors previously interested in buying Chelsea could also be interested in buying Liverpool
- The Reds were listed for sale by Fenway Sports Group (FSG) three months ago
- Some Liverpool fans are unhappy about all this
A group of US investors previously interested in buying Chelsea could also be interested in buying Liverpool.
The Reds were listed for sale by Fenway Sports Group (FSG) more than three months ago. Having controlled the Anfield team since 2010, they are looking at a partial sale of the club.
The Glazer family has also put Manchester United up for sale once the public became aware of FSG’s plan.
Chelsea’s £2.5 billion sale last May may have had an impact on the decisions of both owners. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Roman Abramovich was obliged to break company with the Stamford Bridge team after receiving a censure from the UK government.
FSG owners Liverpool. Photo/Eurosport
Although other parties indicated interest, a Todd Boehly-led group ultimately prevailed in the race to buy Chelsea. Stephen Pagliuca, a co-owner of the Boston Celtics of the NBA, and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which also owns the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA and the New Jersey Devils of the NHL, both put their names in the hat.
Additionally, CBS Sports writer Ben Jacobs thinks that possible investors from across the Atlantic might still be on the horizon.
As Qatar expressed interest in purchasing Man Utd, Jacobs commented on a Twitter Space he hosted.
He said that there are plenty of other groups participating in the partial acquisition of Liverpool. Some of them are those who were involved in the Chelsea process and some of them are Americans who are undoubtedly intrigued.
Jacobs added that given his keen interest in owning a Premier League asset, Steve Pagliuca can rule out the Ricketts family even if they are still present.
FSG in a past statement said that under the correct terms and conditions, it would toy with the concept of allowing new shareholders into the club for the overall benefit of Liverpool.
Liverpool fans’ reactions to the announcement was mixed, which was not unexpected given that the fandom remains divided over FSG for some time. A transfer policy that prioritises a relatively low net spend has some people increasingly frustrated, despite the stability of the past 12 years and recent seasons’ on-field success.
Liverpool FC. Photo/FSG
Pundits explain this is why a lot of Liverpool supporters would be happy to see their team sold to someone or a group who they felt had greater vision. Many surveys being circulated on Twitter indicate that some people would even be content to be owned by a Middle Eastern nation, like New Castle United.
However, FSG’s willingness to sell up after 12 years of successful ownership begs the question: why? The financial clout of the aforementioned Gulf-owned clubs, which ordinary businesses can’t expect to match, may very well be one of them.
The Reds, who famously stormed the league in the 2019–20 season but came up just short in previous years, have just about kept up with United Arab Emirates–owned City.
However, with Newcastle, who are supported by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, on the rise, winning the championship will become more difficult.
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