Liverpool owners FSG close deal to add French giants to multi-club empire

It’s been confirmed that Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are in talks to purchase historic French club Bordeaux. 

The six-time Ligue 1 champions, now coached by former Liverpool midfielder Albert Riera, are experiencing an unprecedented financial crisis having been provisionally relegated to the third tier. 

The DNCG - French football’s financial regulator - held a meeting on Tuesday with club officials which was reportedly also attended by FSG. 

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Within the meeting it was confirmed that FSG intended to complete a purchase of the club as soon as possible. 

The two parties have been given two weeks to complete the takeover, which would see the team reinstated in the second tier. 

A statement was released by FSG to French outlet L’Equipe confirming talks: “Fenway Sports Group are currently studying the purchase of Girondins de Bordeaux. We have begun discussions and don’t wish to make any further comment during this exploratory phase.”

For their part, Bordeaux also released a statement. It read: “The project to sell a majority share of the capital to Fenway Sports Group was presented to the DNCG this morning, in the presence of its representatives and we are working hand in hand with them in order to continue negotiations and due diligence.” 

FSG multiclub ownership

Former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards was brought back under the FSG umbrella earlier this year in a new CEO of Football role, officially taking up his role in June. 

Part of his remit will be to compete with Manchester City and Chelsea, who have implemented multi-club ownership models. 

“One of the biggest factors in my decision is the commitment to acquire and oversee an additional club, growing this area of their organisation,” Edwards said in a statement upon his return. 

“I believe that to remain competitive, investment and expansion of the current football portfolio is necessary.”

Benfica technical director Pedro Marques has also been appointed by FSG having plentiful experience in this regard with Manchester City.

Previous reports have linked FSG with purchasing Toulouse in France as well as Vasco da Gama in Brazil. There were also rumours that the organisation was looking at adding a team from Portugal. 

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