The decision by Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group to sell a small portion of the club raises questions that Gary Neville has already raised.
Gary Neville, a former captain of Manchester United, has already voiced his concern over the Glazer family’s willingness to accept a deal akin to the one Liverpool reached with Dynasty Equity.
A $200 million (£164 million) investment has been made by the US private equity firm Dynasty Equity to acquire a small stake in Liverpool. The new investors will play a passive role, with the current owners, Fenway Sports Group, continuing to be in charge.
The owners confirmed that conversations were ongoing as recently as August, and it is believed that the investment puts an end to FSG’s search for funding. However, none of the funds would be used for transfers; instead, they will be used to settle bank debt incurred as a result of the pandemic and pay for capital expenses.
Before deciding on the present strategy, Liverpool’s owners had previously considered the idea of a full takeover. The Glazers, who own Manchester United, have also considered a number of alternatives as part of a process to investigate “strategic alternatives” for the team.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani have both expressed interest in purchasing the club, while the Glazers have received takeover offers. However, there has been interest in minority investment as well, and no agreement has been made.
Fans have shown a dislike for United’s owners, and Neville has frequently expressed his displeasure with the Americans. His irritation extends to a potential strategic investment that may keep the club’s current owners in charge, as he explained on The Overlap.
Strategic investment, which FSG is bringing up in relation to Liverpool, ultimately entails buying out parts of the family while keeping Joel and Avram [Glazer] in place, according to Neville. “But keeping Joel and Avram in charge and running the club is a nightmarish scenario.
“…Any investor coming in to take out a minority stake, they will be very unpopular people, and their brand will be damaged,” he continued. Numerous demonstrations against the Glazers have taken place both before and after the takeover crisis started, and Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has stated that supporters have the right to demonstrate.
After the Dynasty investment, FSG president Mike Gordon emphasized that the company’s dedication to the club has not changed. Gordon declared in a statement that “our long-term commitment to Liverpool remains as strong as ever.”
“We have always stated that if an investment partner exists that is suitable for Liverpool, we will pursue the chance to assist in ensuring the club’s long-term financial stability and future expansion. In order to further strengthen the club’s financial position and support our aspirations for further success both on and off the field, we look forward to strengthening on our long-standing relationship with Dynasty.
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