FSG ‘in Talks’ Over Major £100m Investment in New Liverpool Model | OneFootball

FSG’s Multi-Club Ambitions: What It Means for Liverpool and Why Getafe is Central to the Plan

Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are in active discussions with Getafe CF as they seek to implement their long-standing ambition of a multi-club ownership model. According to The Athletic, talks have now progressed between FSG and Getafe president Ángel Torres, who had previously stood firm on a “not-for-sale” stance. That position has now softened, with the LaLiga club’s valuation dropping from £160 million to a more accessible £100 million.

This potential acquisition is part of a strategic move long telegraphed by Michael Edwards, FSG’s chief executive of football. When Edwards returned to the fold in March 2024, he openly identified multi-club ownership as “one of the biggest factors” in accepting the role. It is no coincidence that Liverpool’s former sporting director is now a leading figure in expanding FSG’s football footprint.

FSG’s previous interest in French outfits Bordeaux and Malaga ultimately cooled, but Getafe, located just outside Madrid, now appears to be the primary focus following extensive viability studies.

Why Getafe?

The attraction to Getafe is not solely financial. While the lowered valuation is undoubtedly appealing, FSG also maintain a strong working relationship with Ángel Torres. This relationship could ease any transitional difficulties and create a collaborative platform for football operations and talent development.

Getafe’s stable status in LaLiga and its proximity to Madrid, a major European football hub, make it a logical strategic partner. The club offers access to Spanish talent, potential commercial growth and the credibility of a top-five European league. If this deal materialises, it would be FSG’s first direct foray into multi-club ownership, with Liverpool currently their only football holding.

Photo: IMAGO

Fan Sentiment Remains Divided

While some Liverpool supporters have welcomed FSG’s transfer outlay this summer – over £250 million spent on Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong – their growing enthusiasm for a multi-club model is likely to be met with concern.

As The Athletic notes, “We can’t imagine too many LFC supporters being on board with Henry’s plans for MCO.” This sentiment is not unfounded. The controversies surrounding John Textor’s ownership of both Crystal Palace and Lyon, which led to Palace’s demotion from the Europa League, have exposed the complex and potentially damaging consequences of shared ownership.

In a similar case, Drogheda United were removed from European competition because of overlapping ownership with Silkeborg, highlighting how UEFA’s regulations can punish clubs with dual-owner conflicts. While Liverpool currently stand alone in FSG’s football portfolio, that may not remain the case for long.

Football Integrity and Club Identity at Risk?

Critics argue that the multi-club model risks diluting the competitive spirit and uniqueness of each club. As the article warns, “the identity and heritage of every football club should be respected instead of them being regarded as a mere ‘feeder’ for a financially superior side.”

There is also the hypothetical – yet plausible – scenario where both Liverpool and Getafe qualify for the same UEFA tournament. This could lead to ineligibility, conflict of interest or even disqualification. Liverpool fans will hope FSG tread carefully.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans have reason to feel uneasy. While many admire Michael Edwards’ return and have been energised by the club’s significant summer investment, the direction of FSG’s broader strategy leaves room for scepticism.

Multi-club ownership, while appealing from a corporate synergy perspective, rarely sits well with traditional fanbases. At Liverpool, a club steeped in history, identity and working-class roots, the idea of becoming part of a broader football “network” is jarring.

Fans rightly ask: will Getafe serve Liverpool or stand as an independent club with their own ambitions? If the answer leans toward the former, it undermines the competitive integrity of both sides. While Getafe may benefit from player loans or backroom resources, what happens if their success threatens Liverpool’s? Or if a promising talent is kept from Anfield due to UEFA rulings?

Liverpool fans have seen how ruthless and calculated UEFA can be. The example of Drogheda United should be a flashing red light. Imagine missing out on European nights at Anfield because of legal entanglements tied to another FSG-owned club. That would be a disaster.

There’s also a cultural concern. Clubs like Liverpool are more than assets. They are woven into their communities. Fans want to feel their club is the priority, not a cog in a corporate strategy. With Jürgen Klopp gone and Arne Slot just beginning to forge his legacy, now is the time for unity and purpose, not corporate complexity.

FSG have delivered silverware and stability, but their loyalty must lie with the Kop, not with spreadsheets. For now, fans will be watching closely.