Reports suggest Liverpool FC, the English Premier League, has already held talks with two Middle East consortiums. Fenway Sports Group, the owner of Liverpool has been approached by Saudi Arabian and Qatar consortiums. Even though Liverpool FC along with Manchester United, the fellow EPL club has been reportedly associated with state-backed investors, it is being said that both consortiums are private companies.
The sports minister of Saudi Arabia states that they are going to support all bids from companies in the private precinct wanting to buy Liverpool or Manchester United. Also, in a statement Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, mentioned that the government is going to support all bids for the front-runner football club acquisition from the private sector. He has said that if an investor is ready to do so and the amount is suitable, they look forward to the deal. He also declared that they will surely support any Saudi Arabian private sector comes since they know that it is going to reflect well on sports in the kingdom.
The prince said that it is the most popular league in Saudi Arabia and the surrounding area and there are many fans of the Premier League. He might not be able to speak on behalf of the private sector but there is a lot of appetite and interest and there is a significant passion for football.
The owner of Liverpool, Fenway Sports Group Holdings LLC has stated that they are working with Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs as it gauges buyer interest for the club. Moreover, the group has said that they will consider new shareholders if the terms and conditions are right. The Middle East is the home to many football club owners.
Conrad Wiacek, the GlobalData head said that the sale of Liverpool can rise over $5 billion, and can club can generate more than $160 million from the sponsorship deals.