There has been endless rumours this week about potential new investment in the club from a Chinese firm.
It doesn’t look like FSG will relinquish a controlling share in the club; but even a new minority owner would provide fresh cash, fresh commercial opportunities, and fresh optimism.
The latest person to speak on the subject is Kieran Maguire. He’s a football finance expert and also a lecturer in Economics, Finance and Accounting at the University of Liverpool’s School of Management.
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, he perfectly encapsulated why he thinks a deal between FSG and the Far East investors is highly likely.
“Liverpool is one of the most recognised football brands in the world,” he explained. “A minority stake from China would open the door to one of the world’ s biggest growing markets for the club.”
“You only have to look at the 13 percent minority stake the Chinese took in Manchester City for around 400 million U.S.dollars to realise the potential.”
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He then moved onto the nitty-gritty, talking in detail about the finances — something that will ultimately determine FSG’s decision:
“The Fenway Group bought Liverpool for £300 million and now the club is worth around £700 million.
“Although the club is said it is not up for sale, it could well sell if the price tag as around £900 million. But even if a minority stake was sold to a Chinese consortium, its American owners would have got back much of what they paid for a small slice of the club.
“Spreading the Liverpool brand in China would increase its revenue, so it would be a win-win for the Fenway Group.”
What do you think of his assessment? Let us know…