Liverpool to be strengthened by proposed FSG purchase of Bordeaux
Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon believes a multi-club model will strengthen Liverpool – and he has a point.
The Athletic reported (9 July) that Gordon emailed the club’s staff to confirm the return of Michael Edwards as CEO of football and confirm their intentions to acquire another club.
Gordon is quoted by the publication as telling staff: “This in no way takes away from the focus, attention, care — and most importantly — the investment in Liverpool. In fact, we see it as a path that will help strengthen our club for the future.”
The news broke yesterday (France Bleu Gironde, July 9) of FSG’s intention to acquire Bordeaux.
Liverpool and FSG to avoid the City Football Group path
The Reds are behind the curve when it comes to the multi-club model in the Premier League.
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly also owns French side Strasbourg, whilst INEOS own a stake in Manchester United and also own Nice.
Manchester City owners City Football Group have Girona, Palermo, New York City FC and Troyes in their portfolio.
CFG purchased Troyes in 2020 (Inside World Football, 3 September 2020) and the club has since suffered back-to-back relegations.
They avoided relegation to the Championnat National (third tier) when the Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion relegated Ajaccio in their place due to financial instability.
Troyes fans threw flares onto the pitch and ironically changed ‘Merci City’ during their match against Valenciennes in May.
The club broke their transfer record to sign Brazilian winger Savinho from Atletico Mineiro and was immediately loaned to PSV, then partner club Girona and has now left for Manchester City on a permanent deal (The Athletic, 2 July).
A deal that represents a dangerous precedent in football with players under the guise of ownership rather than clubs.
Bordeaux and Liverpool could be tied
Bordeaux owner Gerard Lopez is eager to recoup his investment into the club but wants to remain in minority ownership to ensure the club doesn’t suffer the same fate as Troyes (L’Equipe, 18 May).
FSG’s purchase of Bordeaux will allow the club to keep their identity and will not act as a feeder club for the Reds.
A deal can be beneficial for Liverpool, with the French side used as a destination to send players on loan and would help both clubs.
The clubs would share scouting data and analysis to ensure both sides can track the best footballing talent.
FSG have proven during their Liverpool stewardship that they can provide long-term financial stability and could offer the same to Bordeaux in a deal that would benefit Liverpool and revive a sleeping giant in France.
In other Liverpool news, the club have reignited interest in £25m Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi.
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