MX23RW : Wednesday, December 11 21:07:09| >> :120:15220:15220:

Liverpool 'in talks with US-based buyer over £2.7bn takeover'

Liverpool 'in talks with US-based buyer over £2.7bn takeover'
© Reuters
Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group are reportedly in discussions with a US-based firm over a £2.7bn takeover.

Liverpool are reportedly in discussions with a US-based buyer over a £2.7bn takeover of the club from Fenway Sports Group.

Principal owner John W Henry has been at the helm at Anfield for 12 years since his £300m purchase in 2010, but he is now reportedly looking to sell the club.

A statement from FSG last week confirmed that the American firm are on the lookout for new investors, saying: "There have been a number of recent changes of ownership and rumours of changes in ownership at EPL clubs and inevitably we are asked regularly about Fenway Sports Group's ownership in Liverpool.

"FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders in Liverpool. FSG has said before that under the right terms and conditions we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club.

"FSG remains fully committed to the success of Liverpool, both on and off the pitch."

Now, the Daily Mail reports that an unnamed US-based buyer is in talks to take over the club from Henry, who could be willing to do business at around the £2.7bn mark.

Liverpool owner John W Henry pictured on January 19, 2020© Reuters

The report claims that an approach was made to the powers-that-be at Anfield several weeks ago, and FSG have been in discussions with the anonymous prospective buyer since.

However, the US-based buyer is not thought to be the only one interested in a full takeover of the club from Henry, who was initially thought to be after £4bn to consider a sale.

Nevertheless, the 73-year-old would increase his profit ninefold should he allow Liverpool to be sold for £2.7bn, and the Reds used Chelsea's recent sale as a model to follow.

Roman Abramovich ceded control of the West London club to Todd Boehly's consortium for £2.5bn, and Liverpool's owners are looking for £2.7bn after taking Chelsea's revenues into account.

Chelsea posted revenues of £500m last year before selling at five times that price, but Liverpool - who are expected to post £600m figures - are not optimistic of a £3bn sale.

 Liverpool players celebrate after winning the penalty shoot-out on November 9, 2022© Reuters

However, a late auction could drive the price up if multiple parties express an interest in buying Liverpool, but Henry will not sell to a potential owner deemed to be unethical.

Several notable names have already been linked with the Liverpool ownership, but Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already ruled out the possibility of a takeover.

Meanwhile, the Ricketts family are not expected to make an approach for the Merseyside giants either, while Steve Ballmer and Stephen Pagliuca - owners of the LA Clippers and Boston Celtics respectively - have also been named as possible buyers.

It has also been claimed that Dubai International Capital could throw their hat into the ring after trying but failing to buy the club for £312m back in 2007.

ID:499658:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5483:
Written by
Ben Knapton

Liverpool takeover - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about John W Henry

Click here for more stories about Liverpool

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp celebrates on November 6, 2022
Read Next:
Jurgen Klopp: 'I am committed to Liverpool'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!