Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool takeover: FSG decision to help Klopp land major transfer that’ll benefit old owners as much as the new

Jurgen Klopp, October 2022

Liverpool owners FSG won’t shy away from spending big in the transfer market, with one observer explaining why a blockbuster deal for Jurgen Klopp’s primary target would actually benefit the Americans.

Fenway Sports Group recently announced they are exploring a sale of Liverpool Football Club. At the very least they’re open to outside investment. Sky Sports’ Melissa Reddy recently detailed why both Liverpool and Manchester United’s owners have decided now is the right time to cash in.

Two influential members of Liverpool’s recruitment team were recently confirmed to have resigned.

Sporting Director Julian Ward and Head of Research Ian Graham will both depart and Jamie Carragher suggested he’s worried about the club’s upcoming transfer plans.

Elsewhere, the fact the club is up for sale has sparked talk FSG won’t dip into their pockets while still in control.

Liverpool are known to be fronting the queue for Jude Bellingham who is valued by Borussia Dortmund around the £130m mark.

That price tag may well soar if the England ace continues to shine in Qatar. What’s more, even if Liverpool were willing to splash the cash, fierce competition is expected from the likes of Real Madrid, Man City, Chelsea and Man Utd.

Now, former Reds striker, Emile Heskey, has backed FSG to go big for Bellingham as potentially one of their final acts in charge.

Bellingham coup benefits FSG even if they sell?

Explaining why that course of action makes the most sense, Heskey stressed signing Bellingham would actually raise the club’s overall value, and therefore the final sum FSG receive.

Sky Sports report Liverpool are valued around the £2.75b mark. They claim that is a more ‘realistic’ figure in comparison with some of the more outlandish numbers that have pervaded the media.

Whether signing Bellingham would add £130m to the club’s valuation is open to debate, though it would do two things.

Firstly, it would ensure any incoming owners aren’t expected to immediately sanction a club record transfer for Bellingham. What the next owners save by not having to buy Bellingham could be reflected in any extra they pay to purchase the club.

Secondly, it would boost the club’s on-field fortunes and vastly increase their chances of securing the riches of Champions League football in future seasons.

It’s important to remember the wording of FSG’s statement was less conclusive than United’s, with the prospect of only a partial sale a very real one at Anfield.

As such, signing Bellingham could be seen as covering both bases in case FSG don’t find a buyer that meets their demands.

Liverpool sale won’t curtail spending – Heskey

“It did surprise me, yes but we should never be surprised,” said Heskey when asked about FSG’s decision to explore a sale (via the Liverpool Echo).

“It shouldn’t destabilise the club, they’re a huge club in the global sense.

“In terms of investment, buying a player like Jude Bellingham is only going to make the club more valuable.

“So I can’t see them backing down in the transfer market and not looking to spend on players either just because the club is up for sale.

“There will be plenty of bids for Liverpool, it’s just a matter of finding the right buyers.”

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