Latest news with #MichaelEdwards
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
John Henry's FSG Explore Spanish Market with Getafe Interest
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. Advertisement '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. Photo IMAGO 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. Advertisement '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.' Advertisement 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.' Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool owners FSG considering massive deal with Michael Edwards involved
FSG, the owners of Liverpool, could gollow the example of some other Premier League clubs' ownership groups and invest in another club in one of Europe's big five leagues Liverpool owners FSG are considering a swoop to buy La Liga club Getafe. The Boston-based group are looking to build a multi-club profile in football with Michael Edwards a key man in the project. The Reds are now assessing the Madrid-based club after looking at Bordeaux and Malaga in the past. The club is currently improving their Estadio Coliseum ground and could be open to selling in the near future. A spokesperson for FSG said: 'FSG routinely engages in conversations and evaluates opportunities across global sports, a common process to assess ventures that align with the organisation's strategic priorities.' Liverpool could use relationships with other clubs to help with the development of players in the way Manchester City has with City Football Group, which owns numerous clubs around the world. How far the Reds will cast their net is unknown at this stage but it is clear they are looking to start with one club and the La Liga outfit, who finished 13th last season, are of serious interest. Edwards' involvement comes more than a year after he returned to Anfield. The former sporting director came back as chief executive officer of football, linking up with the club's current sporting director Richard Hughes. "It was vital for me that, if I did return, it had to be with renewed vigour and energy. In practice, this means having fresh challenges and opportunities," Edwards said in 2024 when his return was confirmed "As such, one of the biggest factors in my decision is the commitment to acquire and oversee an additional club, growing this area of their organisation. I believe that to remain competitive, investment and expansion of the current football portfolio is necessary. Getafe only won promotion to La Liga for the first time in 2004, but have been near ever-presents since. They were relegated in 2016 but bounced straight back, and haven't finished lower than 15th since climbing back to the top flight. The club welcomed Pepe Bordalas back for a second spell as manager in 2023. finishing 12th in the 2023-24 season and 13th last term. They also reached the quarter-finals of last season's Copa Del Rey, losing to Atletico Madrid. If Liverpool's owners complete a deal for Getafe, they would join a number of Premier League rivals with multi-club ownership interests. Chelsea owners BlueCo added French side Strasbourg to their portfolio in 2023, while City Football Group have several clubs across multiple continents, including Manchester City, Girona and New York City FC. FSG already own teams in other sports, and owned the Boston Red Sox before completing their Liverpool takeover. They agreed to buy the Premier League club from previous owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett back in 2010. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Liverpool owners look at buying La Liga outfit Getafe as part of multi-club model
Liverpool's owner, Fenway Sports Group, is exploring the possibility of buying La Liga side Getafe as part of an ambition to become a multi-football club operation. FSG underwent a significant restructuring of its football department in 2024 with the purpose of buying a second club which would complement its running of Liverpool. That plan was critical to the return of former sporting director, Michael Edwards, who became FSG's football chief executive because he is enthused by the idea of assuming responsibilities beyond Merseyside. FSG made it clear at the time that it was looking initially for another club rather than follow the path of Manchester City's Abu Dhabi owners who have a group of teams under the the City Group umbrella. The Boston-based group's moves to buy French side Bordeaux and another Spanish club, Malaga, were abandoned, but now Getafe are the subject of interest. An FSG spokesman confirmed it is assessing its options, although at this stage it remains to be seen if a full buyout will proceed. 'FSG routinely engages in conversations and evaluates opportunities across global sports, a common process to assess ventures that align with the organization's strategic priorities,' said a spokesman. Getafe finished 13th in La Liga last season and their owner has recently suggested he intends to sell after committing to modernising the club's stadium. Although first and foremost any purchase would be focused on rebuilding any club it buys, expanding the FSG empire to include a suitable European team could have a positive knock-on impact for Liverpool, too. FSG has seen how the multi-club ownership of rivals such as City have given them a significant advantage in terms of developing young talent, or signing players who may not be ready for Premier League football but can develop at sister clubs. If and when FSG buys another club, it will enable it to facilitate loan deals to give valuable experience to under-21 players, or purchase highly-rated youngsters from overseas who could be developed in a competitive league to establish if they have the capacity to step up and eventually play in the Premier League.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Liverpool owners FSG 'identify ideal LaLiga side to buy' - as Premier League champions look to develop multi-club model
Liverpool 's owners FSG have reportedly identified their 'ideal club' to buy in LaLiga as they press ahead with developing a multi-club network. The Premier League champions have had their eye on acquiring a second football team, with the pursuit among the reasons Michael Edwards returned as FSG's chief executive of football. 'It was vital for me that, if I did return, it had to be with renewed vigour and energy,' Edwards said last year. 'In practice, this means having fresh challenges and opportunities. As such, one of the biggest factors in my decision is the commitment to acquire and oversee an additional club, growing this area of their organisation. 'I believe that to remain competitive, investment and expansion of the current football portfolio is necessary.' Edwards was placed in charge of overseeing the identification of a second club, alongside former Boston Red Sox chief Theo Epstein. Reports earlier this year suggested FSG were pursuing a deal to buy Malaga, before cooling their interest amid legal hurdles. According to Marca, FSG have now targeted buying LaLiga club Getafe. The report claims FSG believe Getafe are the ideal club after conducting feasibility studies of several clubs, including Levante, Elche Espanyol, Valladolid, Malaga and Bordeaux. Getafe's status as an established top flight club, the potential to develop players and the club's location in Madrid are reportedly among the factors in favour of the potential purchase. The club are also in the middle of a stadium redevelopment, which will modernise and take their Estadio Coliseum ground to a 19,000 capacity. Getafe's owner Angel Torres, however, has claimed he will leave the club when the stadium redevelopment is complete in December 2027. Getafe have been a LaLiga club for the past eight seasons and finished 13th in the 2024-25 campaign. Getafe are currently in the process of redeveloping their stadium to boost its capacity The multi-club ownership model became widely popular due to the success of City Football Group, which has included 13 teams with Man City at the centre. Several Premier League clubs have owners involved in multi-club networks, including Man United, Chelsea, Bournemouth, Brighton, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Exclusive: Liverpool Have Scheduled Talks Today with Bayer Leverkusen to Finalise Florian Wirtz Move
Florian Wirtz to Liverpool: A Bold Move Shaping the Reds' New Era In what could become the most seismic transfer of the summer—and the biggest in German football history—Liverpool appear to be closing in on the stunning signing of Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz. Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, has shed new light on the Reds' pursuit of the Bundesliga sensation, with detailed insights on how the deal is unfolding behind the scenes. Advertisement This is a move packed with significance. More than just a statement of intent, it marks a new era under Arne Slot, fresh from winning the Premier League in his debut season at Anfield. With Michael Edwards back in the football operations hot seat, it's clear Liverpool are not only rebuilding but redefining their ambitions. Wirtz Chooses Anfield Over Allianz According to Tavolieri, Florian Wirtz made a decisive move by 'calling Bayern Munich and Vincent Kompany to thank them for their interest', indicating his clear preference for Liverpool. That single call underlines the magnetic pull Anfield has regained under its new structure and leadership. With Manchester City once thought to be the frontrunners, this is a dramatic twist. Advertisement 'It was Wirtz who took the decision to go away and want to win something,' Tavolieri said, pointing out that the player, not the clubs, shifted the direction of the deal. Despite Manchester City's strong position and advanced talks, Wirtz reportedly 'hesitated on that', a hesitation that now seems to have opened the door for Liverpool. This willingness to shun Germany's dominant power and England's treble winners is a major coup, not just for Liverpool but for the Premier League narrative as a whole. Edwards Returns with a Masterstroke Key to this developing saga is the figure of Michael Edwards, the architect of Liverpool's previous golden era. Tavolieri explained that 'Edwards put in so much work to convince FSG on the deal in terms of media, image and symbol.' That phrase—media, image and symbol—says it all. Advertisement Wirtz is more than just a gifted midfielder. He is an emblem of the next generation of footballing icons. Signing him signals a long-term strategy, blending technical brilliance with commercial magnetism. Edwards is already believed to be 'speaking and looking to plan instalments on the deal', reflecting a structured financial approach. That's typical of Liverpool's modern strategy: bold, but calculated. Photo: IMAGO Leverkusen Happy to Sell—But Not to Rivals Tavolieri's report also revealed why Liverpool may have gained an advantage: 'Leverkusen never wanted to sell him to a rival, so they are very happy to make this call with Liverpool.' In this context, a move to Bayern was never straightforward. City had their salary cap limitations. But Liverpool offered something different—an exciting new project, led by a title-winning manager and backed by data-driven football minds. Advertisement Tavolieri added: 'It has never been straightforward. It's important to understand that Leverkusen were so far with Man City. There were no doubts that they would win the race.' And yet, here we are, on the brink of one of the most unexpected and exciting signings in modern football. 'When Wirtz went to Man City, Pep Guardiola wasn't there. When he went to Liverpool, Arne Slot was there and they convinced him. It was strange to them.' 'From now it will be much more smooth because they were already talking about Wirtz whilst finalising the Jeremie Frimpong deal.' What Wirtz Brings to the Reds Still only 21, Florian Wirtz is regarded as one of the most intelligent, versatile, and creative players in Europe. His vision, press resistance, and ability to link midfield and attack suit Liverpool's dynamic style perfectly. Advertisement In a team already boasting elite talents like Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Trent Alexander-Arnold stepping into midfield roles, Wirtz would not just complement but elevate the tactical possibilities under Slot. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis Let's be honest—if this deal happens, it is monumental. Florian Wirtz isn't just a big name, he's one of the most exciting players in world football. We're not talking about raw potential, we're talking about a player who has dominated the Bundesliga and looked every bit the heir to Germany's creative legacy. From a fan's perspective, what a time to be a Red. First season under Arne Slot? Premier League title. And now potentially signing one of Europe's most electrifying talents? This is more than just a rebuild—it's a revolution. Advertisement Michael Edwards returning was the first sign that FSG were willing to do things differently. But getting Wirtz, ahead of Bayern and City, would be proof that Liverpool are now the top table's kingmakers again. It's symbolic, it's strategic, and it's sensational. Credit to Sacha Tavolieri for breaking the story and to Anfield Index for giving fans insight into the finer details. If Wirtz steps onto the Anfield turf this summer, the message is clear: Liverpool are back, and they mean business.
