According to a recent article by David Ornstein of The Athletic, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have put Liverpool up for sale. This stands in direct opposition to a statement in May, in which chairman Tom Werner stated that the conglomerate saw the club as a “long-term project”.
FSG Put Liverpool Up for Sale
What Has Changed?
Where FSG have acknowledged that they have received interest in holding stakes in Liverpool in the past, they have never actively placed the club up for sale until now. According to Ornstein, the conglomerate has created a full sales presentation for interested parties.
This indicates that FSG are not simply waiting for new investors or passively listening to people with offers for the club, but they are taking active steps to get the club into new hands. If a deal does happen, it will be one of the largest acquisitions of a football club this year, alongside Chelsea‘s change in ownership.
What is FSG’s Legacy?
The investment firm will leave a complex legacy behind, assuming a sale happens. On the negative side, the club were one of the six English sides that has a commitment to the Super League prior to the project falling apart. Liverpool’s ownership also attempted to trademark the word “Liverpool” during their reign, a move that was met with vitriolic responses from across their own fanbase.
Anfield has, however, seen plenty of improvements under the Americans. Even with FSG putting Liverpool up for sale, their legacy includes a Premier League victory, winning both of the domestic clubs and securing the Champions League within Jurgen Klopp’s dynasty. There have been off-pitch changes too, with the club moving their training facility from Melwood to Kirkby and Anfield itself seeing some desperately needed upgrades.
Who are Some Potential New Owners?
Whilst there are no clear bidders at this time, one potentially interested party could be Sir James Ratcliffe. There were reports of his interest in Manchester United in the summer, and he made a formal bid for Chelsea before Todd Boehly bought the club. There’s no reason he wouldn’t be interested in trying to secure another huge Premier League side.
