Latest news with #multi-club
Telegraph
5 hours ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Liverpool owners look at buying La Liga outfit Getafe as part of multi-club model
Liverpool's owner, Fenway Sports Group, is exploring the possibility of buying La Liga side Getafe as part of an ambition to become a multi-football club operation. FSG underwent a significant restructuring of its football department in 2024 with the purpose of buying a second club which would complement its running of Liverpool. That plan was critical to the return of former sporting director, Michael Edwards, who became FSG's football chief executive because he is enthused by the idea of assuming responsibilities beyond Merseyside. FSG made it clear at the time that it was looking initially for another club rather than follow the path of Manchester City's Abu Dhabi owners who have a group of teams under the the City Group umbrella. The Boston-based group's moves to buy French side Bordeaux and another Spanish club, Malaga, were abandoned, but now Getafe are the subject of interest. An FSG spokesman confirmed it is assessing its options, although at this stage it remains to be seen if a full buyout will proceed. 'FSG routinely engages in conversations and evaluates opportunities across global sports, a common process to assess ventures that align with the organization's strategic priorities,' said a spokesman. Getafe finished 13th in La Liga last season and their owner has recently suggested he intends to sell after committing to modernising the club's stadium. Although first and foremost any purchase would be focused on rebuilding any club it buys, expanding the FSG empire to include a suitable European team could have a positive knock-on impact for Liverpool, too. FSG has seen how the multi-club ownership of rivals such as City have given them a significant advantage in terms of developing young talent, or signing players who may not be ready for Premier League football but can develop at sister clubs. If and when FSG buys another club, it will enable it to facilitate loan deals to give valuable experience to under-21 players, or purchase highly-rated youngsters from overseas who could be developed in a competitive league to establish if they have the capacity to step up and eventually play in the Premier League.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Report: Edwards Leading FSG Push To Buy La Liga Club
FSG in Talks to Buy Getafe: Liverpool Owners Eye Spanish Expansion FSG Step Up Multi-Club Ambitions Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the American owners of Liverpool FC, are once again making moves towards building a multi-club model. After previously stepping back from a potential deal with Bordeaux, FSG have now turned their attention to La Liga side Getafe. Advertisement The report, published by Spanish outlet AS, and written by Manuel Torres, reveals: 'The American company wants to expand into the world of football and they have set their sights on Spain.' Getafe, currently an established mid-table club in Spain's top flight, appears to be an ideal acquisition target. Their proximity to Madrid, a newly approved stadium project, and a clearly defined succession plan from president Ángel Torres offer strong strategic appeal. Why Getafe Appeals to FSG Getafe's trajectory aligns with FSG's operational philosophy: sustainability, modern infrastructure, and long-term planning. As Torres prepares to step down no later than 2027, FSG could step in to manage a club that's already mid-way through a stadium redevelopment and a broader Sports City project. Photo by IMAGO Advertisement 'Specifically, at Getafe. The choice for the blue team is clear; a project consolidated in the elite in the 21st century, a new stadium with the works already started, the proximity to the capital…' The timing seems intentional. FSG can enter discussions during a transition phase, potentially shaping Getafe's future without a hostile takeover. The revamped Coliseum, set for completion by 2027–2028, would serve not only as a revenue-generating asset but also a recruiting tool and football development hub. The Bordeaux Near-Miss: A Lesson Learned? Back in July 2024, FSG confirmed they were in talks to acquire Bordeaux. That deal collapsed due to stadium leasing complications, a problem that appears less likely with Getafe, who already have their own site and construction underway. Advertisement This signals a more refined approach from FSG – targeting clubs that align with their infrastructure-first model. This is reminiscent of the City Football Group's global template, although FSG have long been more conservative in diversifying their football portfolio. A Trusted Future for Getafe? Ángel Torres' ambition to leave the club in 'trustworthy and experienced hands' is echoed in AS's reporting: 'At the moment, only a study and some contacts have taken place between club and company…' While still in the early stages, this move suggests FSG are doing due diligence. The promise of advanced facilities, a presidential succession plan, and room for strategic influence may make Getafe the ideal springboard into Spanish football. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis From a Liverpool fan perspective, this development feels both inevitable and calculated. FSG's initial reluctance to mirror Manchester City's global multi-club empire has gradually shifted. With Michael Edwards back in charge and a more forward-thinking football structure now in place, targeting Getafe makes strategic sense. Advertisement First off, Getafe's presence in La Liga offers Liverpool indirect access to Spanish talent. With a feeder relationship, player development and scouting pathways could become more efficient. Players not quite ready for Anfield could refine their game in Spain before making the jump. Secondly, fans might be wary of divided attention or resource allocation, but if done right, this could bolster Liverpool's network without disrupting the club's focus. Getafe's new stadium and infrastructure also remove the kind of logistical headaches that derailed the Bordeaux deal. There's little doubt FSG will demand operational control and transparency – hallmarks of their Anfield model – if the deal proceeds. The bigger picture is FSG aligning Liverpool with a modern, competitive footballing ecosystem. Clubs without sister networks risk falling behind in data, recruitment, and global influence. This isn't about glamour; it's about sustainability and staying relevant at the top table of football. In sum, if FSG's Getafe interest is more than flirtation, it could mark the beginning of a new, smarter era for Liverpool's global footprint.
