Liverpool Ownership Changing Hands - American Proprietors Contemplate Sale
Liverpool Football Club (LFC), currently sixth in the Premier League and six points behind the fourth place needed to secure a spot in next season's Champions League, is on the brink of a significant change. The primary potential investor for the Reds is Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the current US-based owners who also own the Boston Red Sox (MLB) and the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL).
Since taking ownership three years ago, Tom Hicks and George Gillett have seen the club's commercial team increase revenue by 55%, boost commercial revenues by 83%, and extend operating profit by 60% since 2007. However, the duo has decided it's time to sell the club to owners committed to taking it through its next level of growth and development.
Fenway Sports Group's strategic plan for LFC and its related portfolio involves building a multi-club model that leverages synergies between clubs for commercial growth and player development. This is evident in their recent major signings in the summer 2025 transfer window to strengthen Liverpool’s squad. Additionally, the group plans to continue investing in the team to ensure competitive success.
The strategic plan also includes ensuring smooth transitions and sustainable growth in associated clubs by working closely with current leadership. This could potentially involve a gradual takeover of Spanish club Getafe CF, a La Liga club appealing due to its location near Madrid, ongoing stadium renovation, and the club president’s intention to step down by 2027.
Yahya Kirdi, a former Syria international footballer, has publicly expressed interest in buying LFC. Talks between Kirdi and Hicks and Gillett are at an advanced stage, with Andy Lynch, a former Celtic player, brought in by Kirdi to act as a go-between in the potential deal. The sale process is formal and being supervised by Martin Broughton, who has been appointed as the chairman to oversee the sale.
Analysts value LFC at 500 million pounds (US$772 million). If the deal with Kirdi goes through, it could have significant implications for LFC, particularly as the club has not won a trophy since 2006 and has been overshadowed by arch-rivals Manchester United, who have continued to dominate the Premier League while plans to move the club from Anfield have stalled.
In summary, Fenway Sports Group remains the key investor and decision-maker for LFC, with plans focused on expanding their football footprint across Europe, enhancing commercial potential and sporting success through multi-club ownership. The potential sale to Yahya Kirdi, if it goes through, could mark a new era for the Reds.
- Fenway Sports Group's strategic plan for Liverpool Football Club (LFC) involves continued investing in the team to ensure competitive success, a potential gradual takeover of Spanish club Getafe CF, and ongoing stadium renovation.
- Yahya Kirdi, a former Syria international footballer, has expressed interest in buying LFC and is currently in advanced talks with the club's current owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
- If the sale of Liverpool Football Club to Yahya Kirdi goes through, it could mark a significant change for the Reds, particularly as the club has not won a trophy since 2006 and has been overshadowed by rivals in recent years.
