REVEALED: The collapse of the US-run European Super League and the $5bn sale of Chelsea to Todd Boehly ‘are the reasons behind the FSG’s decision to put Liverpool up for sale’… but the club could STAY in American hands
The failure of the American-led European Super League in 2021 and Todd Boehly’s billion-dollar Chelsea buy are believed to be important factors in Fenway Sports Group’s decision to put Liverpool up for sale on Monday.
The controversial MLS-style continental competition has been heavily backed by Liverpool and its collapse coupled with the Blues’ $5billion sale to Boehly have led to the FSG putting the club up for sale, according to an ESPN report.
The Boston-based owner – who also owns the Red Sox – is looking to sell its majority stake in Anfield after 12 years and is reportedly looking to make a sale for around $4.58bn (£4bn).
Chelsea’s $5 billion sale to Todd Boehly is believed to be one reason behind FSG’s decision
“There have been a number of ownership changes and rumors of ownership changes at EPL clubs in recent times,” FSG said in a statement, “and inevitably we are regularly asked about the ownership of Fenway Sports Group in Liverpool.
“FSG has frequently received 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, both on and off the pitch.”
Since the Boston-based owner took over Liverpool in 2010, they have won every major accolade alongside the Europa League
Fenway Sports Group bought Liverpool from American businessmen Tom Hicks and George Gillet in 2010
FSG bought the club from his compatriots Tom Hicks and George Gillett in 2010 and since then Liverpool have once again become one of the powerhouses of European football.
And under Jurgen Klopp, the Merseyside team have won every single major trophy, ending a thirty-year wait to become English champions, lifting the Premier League trophy in 2019.
In lieu of that success, as well as its historic position in English football, global fanbase and commercial appeal, the Boston-based owner values Liverpool at around $4.87bn (£4bn), according to sources.
FSG have enjoyed incredible success at Liverpool since the arrival of Jurgen Klopp (second from left).
However, it has been suggested they could get more than the $2.86bn (£2.5bn) Roman Abramovich received for the sale of Chelsea, despite the proceeds being frozen by the UK government due to sanctions .
Having spent just $344m (£300m) on the club 12 years ago, FSG are expected to make a huge profit if the majority stake in Liverpool is sold.
To help find a buyer, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley were reportedly recruited, and sources told ESPN that an information memorandum detailing the potential sale was sent to potential investors in October.
FSG has poured more than £190m into Anfield’s refurbishment and increase in capacity
In 2021, FSG sold an 11 per cent stake in the company to RedBird Capital Partners for US$750m (£655m) – a move in which they reinvested that money to take a majority stake in NHL ice hockey team Pittsburgh Penguins .
And while the decision came as a shock, several fans have enjoyed the move as the relationship between the club and the owner has been far from smooth at times in recent years.
Fans have previously criticized that despite their side’s apparent success both domestically and on the continent, they felt they had a less than active role in the transfer market.
However, they have invested again in maintaining the club’s facilities and Liverpool are currently in the midst of a $137million (£120million) refurbishment of their stadium’s Anfield Road Stadium.
Some fans were delighted with John W. Henry and FSG’s decision to put Liverpool up for sale