Super League collapse and sale of Chelsea to Todd Boehly ‘are the reasons’ for Liverpool sale

The failure of the American-led European Super League in 2021 and Todd Boehly’s multi-billion dollar purchase of Chelsea are thought to be big factors in the Fenway Sports Group’s decision to put Liverpool up for sale on Monday. 

The controversial MLS-style continental competition was heavily supported by Liverpool and it’s collapse along with the $5billion sale of the Blues to Boehly have lead to FSG putting the club up for sale, according to an ESPN report.  

The Boston-based owner – who also owns the Red Sox – is looking to sell their majority stake after 12 years at Anfield, and is reportedly looking to make a sale for around $4.58bn (£4bn). 

The $5billion sale of Chelsea to Todd Boehly is thought to be a reason behind FSG’s decision

‘There have been a number of recent changes of ownership and rumours of changes in ownership at EPL clubs,’ FSG said in a statement, ‘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.’

Fenway Sports Group bought Liverpool in 2010 from American businessmen Tom Hicks and George Gillet

FSG bought the club from compatriots Tom Hicks and George Gillett in 2010, and since then Liverpool have re-emerged as one of European football’s powerhouses.

And under Jurgen Klopp the Merseyside outfit have won every single major trophy, as well as ending a thirty-year wait to become champions of England, lifting the Premier League trophy in 2019. 

In lieu of this success, as well as their historic position in the English game, global fanbase and commercial draw, the Boston-based owner values Liverpool at around $4.87bn (£4bn), according to sources. 

Since hiring Jurgen Klopp (second from left) FSG have enjoyed incredible success at Liverpool

However it has been suggested that they could receive more than the $2.86bn (£2.5bn) that Roman Abramovich received for the sale of Chelsea, although the proceeds have been frozen by the UK government as a result of sanctions. 

Having only spent $344m (£300m) on the club 12 years ago, FSG are set to make a huge profit when the majority stake is sold at Liverpool. 

In order to help find a buyer, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have reportedly been recruited, and sources told ESPN that an information memorandum detailing the possible sale was sent to potential investors in October.

FSG have poured more than £190million into renovating Anfield and increasing capacity

In 2021 FSG sold an 11 per cent stake in the company for $750m (£655m) to RedBird Capital Partners – a move which saw them reinvest that money to take a controlling stake in NHL ice hockey team Pittsburgh Penguins.

And although the decision came as a shock, several fans have revelled in the move, with the relationship between club and owner far from smooth at times in recent years. 

Fans have previously criticised what they perceived to be a less-than active role in the transfer market, despite their side’s evident success both domestically and continentally. 

However they have reinvested into the maintenance of the club’s facilities, and Liverpool are currently in the middle of a $137m (£120m) renovation of their stadium’s Anfield Road Stadium. 

Some supporters delighted in John W. Henry and FSG’s decision to  put Liverpool up for sale