Liverpool’s owner, Boston-based Fenway Sports Group (FSG), is ready to sell its majority stake in the club, sources have told ESPN, 12 years after buying the six-time Champions League winner for just £300million.
As first reported by The AthleticFSG has hired investment banks Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to help find a potential buyer. Sources familiar with the situation have told ESPN that an informational memorandum detailing the potential sale was sent to potential investors last month.
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Sources added that while FSG is inviting offers and is ready to ditch its entire stake in the club, the Liverpool owner is also willing to consider bids for outside investment.
According to sources, Liverpool’s value could top £4billion due to the club’s trophy history, global fan base and commercial value.
In a statement, FSG said: “There have been a number of ownership changes and rumors of ownership changes at EPL clubs in recent times and inevitably we are regularly asked about the ownership of Fenway Sports Group in Liverpool.
“FSG has received frequent expressions of interest from third parties wishing to become shareholders in Liverpool. FSG have previously said that given the right conditions, we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club.
“FSG remains fully committed to Liverpool’s success on and off the pitch.”
Sources have said that the collapse of plans for a breakaway European Super League in 2021 – Liverpool have been the driving force in trying to create a new NFL-style no-relegation league involving Europe’s biggest clubs – and the £4.25billion sale of Chelsea Both may have been important factors in the FSG’s decision to test market interest in Liverpool.
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Former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was paid £2.5bn to sell the club – proceeds from the sale have been frozen by the UK government due to sanctions against the Russian businessman – with new owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital joining an investment committed a further £1.75bn at the club.
Sources believe that as a historic powerhouse, Liverpool will generate offers in excess of the £2.5billion Abramovich was paid for Chelsea.
Ever since FSG, who also own the Boston Red Sox, took control of the club from American businessmen Tom Hicks and George Gillett, Liverpool have enjoyed a prosperous period in England and Europe, with Jurgen Klopp’s team all but vital The Europa League has won awards.
Liverpool ended a 30-year wait to win the English title in 2020 and moved up to second on the all-time list with 19 titles behind Manchester United (20). The 2019 Champions League triumph against Tottenham was their sixth, making them the most successful English side in the competition.
The club are in the midst of a £120m revamp of Anfield’s Anfield Road Stand, but financial clout and Manchester City ownership by United and Abu Dhabi have made it increasingly difficult for Liverpool and FSG to compete for the most expensive signings .