A dismal outcome against Red Star Belgrade this midweek highlighted a few concerns the Reds have been facing this season despite a strong start in Premier League. However, a recent story covered by esteemed New York Post shifted the focus entirely on Fenway Sports Group – the Boston-based sports company who are currently having the ownership of Liverpool football club. John W. Henry, their billionaire owner, is reportedly open to selling the club in excess of $2 billion (they bought it for $477m back in 2010).
There have been talks of a takeover in past but the rumours were dismissed vehemently similar to this term where the owners issued an official statement to cool down the “unfounded speculation”.
“To repeat once again, the club is not for sale, including any ‘quiet process’ or anything of that nature.”
The above is stated by a Liverpool spokesperson who categorically denied the report whereas in the original story it was claimed that Henry’s representatives refrained from commenting on the whole saga.
Also, a source close to the company confirmed that the club is up for sale if a right offer is placed by potential suitors. Now, we do not usually place much reliance on unnamed sources, but for NYT, we have to make an exception.
FSG were allegedly in talks with Abu Dhabi-based Sheik Khaled Bin Zayed Al Nehayan who was interested in buying ownership of this prestigious football club. Although those rumours were set aside too back in August, some claimed the current owners are open to co-ownership deals.
Hicks and Gillett, the previous owners, were the living nightmare for Liverpool and the fans have often misunderstood the contribution of Henry. He has cleared the debts, expanded the stadium, planted a turf at Anfield suited to Liverpool’s style of football and invested heftily in the market once the stability was restored.
A proper business model is being put into effect by the Americans unlike the Middle East owners of Manchester City and Paris St-Germain who have been subject to controversy and criticism of late after investing billions at a go to attain success.
The supporters, meanwhile, cannot wait to grab a silverware having missed it out so narrowly in recent years. The Sheikhs, Russians or Chinese billionaires might bring those glory days sooner than what FSG would take, but the foundation is more important over short-term success, and the systematic approach of Henry & Co. should be welcomed with a bit more patience. The team has improved immensely under Jurgen Klopp, but the players now need to grow a mental strength and determination to overcome the final hurdle.
