Simon Jordan conflicted as FSG takeover news emerges away from Liverpool
Liverpool are planning to purchase a controlling stake in Spanish outfit Malaga as they take their first step towards a multi-club model.
The strategy has proved an effective way to bypass Brexit rules that prohibit under-18 players from moving to England and is used by the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.
The Reds have been searching for a club to add to their portfolio with a potential deal for Fenway Sports Group to take over French outfit Bordeaux breaking down in July.
The Anfield club faces a battle for the Spanish second-tier side, with Paris Saint-Germain rivalling their interest in the former La Liga regulars.
Liverpool multi-club model concerns Simon Jordan
Liverpool brought Michael Edwards back to Anfield to kickstart the transition to a multi-club model but they are yet to actually purchase another team.
That could soon change depending on whether they can beat PSG to a deal for the Spanish side and finally achieve their goal.
However, Simon Jordan has criticised the direction that the game is going in and shared his thoughts when asked about the potential Reds deal.
Speaking on TalkSPORT (1 April, 10:28 am), he said: “The idea of multi-club ownership being challengable was kicked into the long grass when Red Bull got to do what they did years ago and created two football clubs that were clearly owned by one entity then debated the fact that they were independent of one another.
“I’m conflicted by it, I recognise things move on and the game has changed and the nature of the beast has moved on to something different from what it was years ago.
“There was a principle behind owning one club, it is laughable when you see Jim Ratcliffe provide gymnastics of getting around the fact that they are multi-club owners, I don’t like it, but it is the nature of the animal.
“When you bring financial governance into play, and be able to maneuver players between football clubs, to do preferential deals between one club to another, you make a mockery of the whole system by suggesting that financial governance could actually have any teeth.
“Who is going to establish the value of a player when the very football clubs can establish it amongst themselves, who are part of the same group and create a transaction which actually overcomes the governance?”
Malaga interest makes sense for Liverpool
Liverpool’s interest in Malaga makes sense as they are a fallen giant that just needs the right ownership to take them back to the top-flight.
The current owner, Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani, is hugely unpopular with supporters after mismanaging the club for years, and FSG would be welcomed with open arms.
| La Liga 2 | Played | GD | Points |
| 14. Cordoba | 33 | -2 | 45 |
| 15. Malaga | 33 | -2 | 42 |
| 16. Sporting Gijon | 33 | +1 | 41 |
In terms of their academy, it has produced the likes of Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz and reported Liverpool target Dean Huijsen, and the Reds would have the first option of any talents if they complete the purchase.
As well as being able to sign young players from the academy, the Anfield outfit would also be able to loan players who cannot get a work permit to play in the Premier League to Malaga until they are able to do so.
They also have plenty of youth players that could be ready to make the step up as they have been forced to utilise their academy after five years under administration under Al Thani.
It could be the perfect opportunity for the Merseysiders to join the multi-club ownership model and could be very profitable for the Reds.