Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), are actively seeking new investment for the club as their rival, Manchester United, faces a stagnant takeover process. FSG made the decision to sell a stake in Liverpool more than eight months ago, with principal owner John Henry confirming their intentions. Talks with potential investors have taken place, but no concrete deal has been reached so far.
In a similar move, the Glazer family, owners of Manchester United, put the club up for sale recently. The takeover process has been ongoing, with Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe emerging as the main contenders. However, despite several rounds of bids, there has been little progress in the negotiations. The Glazers are reportedly holding out for a £6 billion offer, while the most recent bid from Sheikh Jassim is believed to be over £5 billion.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire suggests that both potential buyers, Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe, are becoming frustrated with the lack of progress. The Glazers’ silence and the drawn-out nature of the deal have turned Manchester United into a soap opera off the field, diverting attention from on-field matters. Although there is no evidence of budget cuts this summer, a new owner could have enhanced it, which many view as a missed opportunity.
The situation highlights the search for stability and investment in top football clubs. While FSG seeks new investors for Liverpool, a takeover at Manchester United remains stuck in a prolonged process. Fans of both clubs are eager for resolution, as the upcoming Premier League season approaches. The owners’ actions are scrutinized, and the potential buyers’ camps are growing increasingly frustrated in their pursuit of these iconic clubs.
The uncertainty surrounding both Liverpool and Manchester United raises questions about their future, both on and off the pitch. Fans hope for a swift resolution that brings much-needed stability and ensures the focus returns to matters happening within the white lines. For now, the waiting game continues, leaving the fate of these two English football giants in the balance.
