In the wake of Fenway Sports Group’s offer to purchase Liverpool, several parties may become involved, regardless of which party is currently the leading candidate. Earlier last year, FSG teamed up with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to seek investment, with the aim of a full-blown sale following 12 years at Anfield.
From fellow Americans to sovereign wealth funds to foreign billionaires, the race to succeed FSG at Liverpool is wide open.
In the following article, Express Sport looks at four possible buyers who could become the Reds’ next owners.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia
Reports last weekend claimed private sector firms from Qatar and Saudi Arabia were in talks with Liverpool over a £ 3 billion sale. The speculation followed Saudi sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal’s confirmation that the state would back any bid for the Reds.
But it’s been suggested elsewhere that FSG would want £500m more to sanction a deal. Reporter Ben Jacobs, who worked in the Middle East for several years, believes Qatari and Saudi interest hasn’t left the thinking stage.
Harris/Blitzer Sports and Entertainment
While Harris/Blitzer Sports and Entertainment (HBSE) failed in their bid to buy Chelsea, they are ‘mulling over their options’ over a potential deal with Liverpool.
It is clear from David Blitzer and Josh Harris’ attempt to buy Chelsea that the pair want to sell their 36 percent stake in Crystal Palace, and this could be their secret weapon to win the race for six-time European champions.
A significant portion of Liverpool’s transition from Tom Hicks and George Gillett to American owners was credited to Sir Martin Broughton, chairman of the club during the early days of FSG’s tenure. Wall Street financer Michael Klein also has strong ties to FSG and was involved in the HBSE/Broughton Chelsea takeover bid.
Mukesh Ambani
Attempts to buy Liverpool were made in 2009 by Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, and he could reconsider 14 years after he initially bid for the club. The 65-year-old is the world’s eighth richest man, boasting a fortune worth around £90bn.
It is unclear whether his interest in Liverpool has lasted more than a decade, but if the opportunity arises, he could be one of the most realistic solo buyers.
