Liverpool sale now in doubt as FSG 'multi-club' plans revealed in new report

The sale of Liverpool is now in doubt after reports emerged of Fenway Sports Groups' plans for a multi-club network helmed by the Reds.

In November FSG said it "would consider new shareholders" amid reports it had put the Merseysiders up for sale.

Weeks later Liverpool chairman Tom Werner confirmed that FSG were looking to sell the Premier League giants.

The news prompted widespread speculation over who would consider purchasing Liverpool.

British billionaires, European consortiums, oil-rich states and American venture capitalists have all been linked.

However, amid the spate of interested parties, it is now appearing increasingly likely that external investment in Liverpool will come in the form of a partial rather than full takeover.

FSG’s Multi club plans

According to Football Insider, FSG has not abandoned plans to create a multi-club network led by Liverpool.

The publication first reported in October that the Americans had been targeting clubs playing in leagues the FA’s endorsement rules classify as ‘Band 2’.

Band 2 competitions include the Portuguese Primeira Liga, Dutch Eredivisie, Belgian First Division A, and the Turkish Super Lig.

FSG are reportedly considering acquiring clubs from these divisions, to allow the Reds to effectively park players at a feeder club and help them gain the necessary points required to meet the FA’s post-Brexit criteria.

The Americans are said to be admirers of the multi-club model, which is also employed by Premier League rival Manchester City and Red Bull.

Post-Brexit Points System

Indeed, since the United Kingdom departed the European Union English clubs have needed work permits when signing players from the European Union. These are granted based on a points-based system.

Players will need 15 points for a work permit, with the points determined by numerous factors, including senior and youth international appearances, the quality of the selling club based on the league they are in, league position and the number of club appearances the player in question has made.

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