Fenway Sports Group make further step in acquiring La Liga side
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Image Credits: Imago ImagesMichael Edwards’ reappointment as FSG’s CEO of Football marked Liverpool’s effort towards building a multi-club ownership network, mirroring models employed by City Football Group and Red Bull.
Edwards – celebrated for his recruitment genius under Jurgen Klopp – was brought back ahead of the recent summer to spearhead expansion beyond Anfield.
In his own statement upon returning to Anfield, Edwards expressly stated that was the plan.
Fenway Sports Group (FSG) were, earlier this year, said to have an interest in taking of La Liga side Getafe CF, whose valuation has dipped from £160 million to approximately £100 million.
This outreach into Spain follows earlier FSG approaches to French club Bordeaux and fellow Spanish outfit Málaga and signals a long-term ambition to integrate satellite teams across Europe and beyond.
The planned stadium overhaul at the Coliseum – due for completion by 2028 – adds to Getafe’s allure as a well-managed, mid-table outfit.
And it seems that FSG are now looking to potentially accelerate the takeover.
Dominic King, reporting in the Liverpool Confidential, has reported that the Boston-based group has completed their “due diligence” on Getafe and could look to make a decision on whether to acquire the side soon:
“Fenway Sports Group have completed due diligence on Getafe as they assess the potential of adding the club to their portfolio,” he wrote.
“FSG have charged Michael Edwards, Julian Ward – two of Liverpool’s former sporting directors – and Pedro Marques with assessing suitable targets and the trio have run the rule over more than 20 clubs across Europe as genuine options with potential for growth.”
“Malaga were among them but, after assessing their accounts, FSG pulled away and looked for other alternatives.”
“They ended up being connected with Getafe, after an informal conversation between Real Madrid CEO Jose Angel Sanchez and Angel Torres, president of their city neighbours.”
“Getafe were made aware of Liverpool’s interest in them when they played Hull City in a friendly at the MKM Stadium on August 2 and, a few days later, a delegation from FSG flew to Spain to begin the process of looking at their accounts and infrastructure.”
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone