Tom Werner: ‘Liverpool not for sale’

The sale of AC Milan was the most high-profile of the recent spate of Chinese investments but any deal for Liverpool, the world’s ninth richest club by revenue according to Deloitte, is nearly certain to eclipse that. The Guardian had run a story right after Liverpool’s humiliating 2-0 loss to Burnley that their majority shareholder, Fenway Sports Group was considering sale of their stake to a Chinese consortium.

The American owners of Liverpool FC are seeking financial advise after an approach from a Chinese consortium to invest in the Merseyside club. The owners, FSG, have however revealed that the only discussions that they have been involved in recently are over sponsorship deals, as they seek a naming rights partner for Anfield’s new Main Stand. However, despite heavy spending on players, Liverpool’s form has been erratic and they finished eighth in the Premier League last season.

China Everbright, a state-backed financial services conglomerate, is said to be eyeing a significant shareholding in the club, along with current owners, Fenway Sports Group.

The news comes just after Reds chairman, Tom Werner, insisted that the club was not for sale, but did say that FSG would be open to idea of selling a small share in the club.

“We’ve said it before and I’d like to say it again: this club is not for sale”.

“I believe we at FSG have been clear all along that we intend to be creative and bold in all of our commercial activities in an effort to generate more revenue, which in turn is used to increase funding to those parts of the club that help us win football matches”, said Gordon.

The reports came amidst a flurry of foreign investment into English football which has seen West Bromwich Albion, Wolves, Aston Villa, Swansea, Everton, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace all sell partial or controlling stakes.

“If someone wants to write us a letter saying they want to buy the club then it will get put in the garbage”.