Liverpool owners FSG abandon multi-club plan in surprise U-turn

Liverpool’s current owners Fenway Sports Group had been exploring the prospect of purchasing another club and despite talks having taken place, the Reds’ plans have been shelved

Liverpool owners FSG have abandoned plans to launch a multi-club model despite talks having taken place. FSG chiefs confirmed plans to purchase a second football club when Michael Edwards was tempted back to the club in 2024.

Early discussions were held, with as many as 25 clubs being put forward. French side Bordeaux were among the possibilities, while Spanish duo Malaga and Getafe were both investigated.

It has also been reported that FSG looked into buying a minority stake in Ligue 1 giants Monaco but chose not to pursue a deal. And according to The Athletic, plans for FSG to become a multi-club ownership model have been shelved, with no immediate suggestion that those plans could be revived any time soon.

President Mike Gordon had told staff back in 2024 that the approach had been launched. In an email the staff, he said: “To remain competitive, we must identify every avenue available to us to gain an edge.

“To this end, Michael will use every tool at his disposal and has already identified the acquisition of another club as one channel that will help fortify our overall operation and drive our competitive ambitions.”

Meanwhile, Edwards said upon his return: “It was vital for me that, if I did return, it had to be with renewed vigour and energy. In practice, this means having fresh challenges and opportunities.

“As such, one of the biggest factors in my decision is the commitment to acquire and oversee an additional club, growing this area of their organisation. I believe that to remain competitive, investment and expansion of the current football portfolio is necessary.”

FSG have owned Liverpool since 2010 and have overseen arguably the club’s most successful period in their modern history. The Reds have won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, League Cup and more since 2019.

While plans over multi-club ownership are not progressing, FSG can boast a number of other sports teams in their portfolio including MLB side Boston Red Sox, NASCAR’s RFK Racing, TGL’s Boston Common Golf and NHL side Pittsburgh Penguins.

They are however set to bank around $1.7billion (£1.27bn) from the sale of the Penguins to Chicago-based Hoffmann family, pending approval from NHL Board of Governors.

Liverpool are back in action this weekend as they travel to Brighton. Arne Slot’s side sit fifth in the table ahead of kick off but just two points behind Aston Villa.