John Henry’s FSG Explore Spanish Market with Getafe Interest | OneFootball

FSG Step into Spain: Liverpool Owners Eye Getafe in Multi-Club Expansion

Fresh Move into Europe

Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the American consortium behind Liverpool Football Club, appear to be firmly pressing ahead with their ambition to create a multi-club empire. As reported by The Times, John Henry’s group is now in talks to buy La Liga side Getafe. The Madrid-based club, who finished 13th in Spain’s top flight last season, could become the latest building block in FSG’s evolving football blueprint.

“Reports emerged on Tuesday that the American consortium led by Liverpool’s majority shareholder John Henry was in talks to buy Spanish club Getafe.”

After years of resisting the trend set by Manchester City’s owners, who now control 13 clubs globally under the City Football Group umbrella, FSG have now committed to a new direction, and Michael Edwards, the recently reappointed CEO of Football at FSG, is central to that transformation.

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From Hesitation to Full Commitment

“FSG had previously resisted following the multi-club trend pioneered by Manchester City’s owners.” That resistance has now given way to a clear strategy. With interest in Bordeaux collapsing in 2024 over stadium rental issues, Getafe has emerged as the new focal point.

“However, they have now embraced that model and are working to build a multi-club model. This has been done with the help of Michael Edwards, FSG’s CEO of Football.”

The ambition is evident. This is not a short-term grab. FSG are clearly seeking stability and scalability. They are not just buying football clubs, they are investing in infrastructure, identity and long-term influence.

Why Getafe?

The interest in Getafe is hardly random. Ángel Torres, the long-serving club president, has announced plans to step away by 2027. “He is determined to secure the club’s future by finding a buyer who is not only financially capable but also deeply knowledgeable about football – a bracket that FSG matches.”

Getafe’s infrastructure aspirations may also be playing a key role. Their ongoing Coliseum stadium renovation and the new adjacent Sports City project offer the kind of asset development that FSG, with its American sports pedigree, thrives on.

Spanish Strategy with Global Implications

This is not just a Spanish play. It is a European step towards building a global footballing portfolio. If Getafe are acquired, expect further moves, possibly in Portugal, South America or North Africa – regions rich in talent and strategic importance.

“Paul Joyce of The Times has now confirmed the news.”

“Fenway Sports Group, the owner of Liverpool, has turned its attention to the La Liga side Getafe as it looks to develop a multi-club model. There has been interest previously in Bordeaux and Malaga, but the Madrid-based Getafe, who finished 13th in the Spanish top flight last season, have now come under consideration.”

FSG’s ability to strategically manoeuvre through European football, while maintaining Liverpool’s competitive focus under Arne Slot, will be a compelling watch over the next 12 months.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s a growing sense of anticipation among Liverpool fans as FSG’s multi-club model finally begins to take shape. The potential acquisition of Getafe shows serious intent. For too long, Liverpool have seemed behind the curve in this space, especially compared to Manchester City’s vast network.

The excitement here stems from what this could mean for Liverpool’s squad development. With a satellite club like Getafe, younger players can be loaned into a competitive league where technical football dominates, while keeping them within a framework controlled by FSG. That could be crucial in nurturing talent without the risk of stagnation.

There’s also intrigue around Michael Edwards. His return signalled change, and this confirms it. If anyone can integrate a multi-club system smartly and ethically, it’s Edwards.

However, fans will rightly be monitoring how this affects Liverpool. The primary concern remains that Anfield must not suffer from any dilution of focus. FSG must be transparent with supporters, ensuring Liverpool’s first team remains the top priority.

The infrastructure at Getafe is a bonus – a shiny new stadium, a sports city, and a stable financial platform. But supporters want to know: how will this help Liverpool win titles? Will it reduce reliance on inflated transfer markets? If the answer is yes, this could be transformative.

Just like Red Bull with Leipzig and Salzburg, or City Football Group with Girona and Troyes, this could be the start of something powerful – if executed with care and clarity.