Liverpool

Liverpool FC’s owner FSG sells down stake to US private equity firm Dynasty

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1 year ago

September 28, 2023

Liverpool FC owner Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has successfully sold down its stake in the club to a US private equity firm, Dynasty Equity

FSG confirmed the deal but not precise financial details. It was reported by media to be between US$100 million and US$200 million (£82-164 million).

The Boston-based sports group, which last November was thought to be putting the club up for sale when it said it was open to selling shares, will use the funds to reduce levels of bank debt, which had become elevated by investment during the pandemic and also included a new stand at the club’s Anfield stadium, build its Axa training centre, repurchase its training ground and acquire players during the recent transfer window.

FSG, which acquired the Premier League club 12 years ago for £300 million, held talks with several potential investors and chose New York-based Dynasty, whose involvement is reported to be “small and passive”, according to the Guardian.

In November, FSG’s principal owner John W Henry said the firm would “consider new shareholders” if the “right terms and conditions” were met.

Bringing in Dynasty does not affect the operation of the club or represent the first step towards a sale, though the pair said that in the long term they will “explore further growth opportunities” for the England Premier League club.

“Our long-term commitment to Liverpool remains as strong as ever,” FSG president Mike Gordon said in a statement

“We have always said that if there is an investment partner that is right for Liverpool then we would pursue the opportunity to help ensure the club’s long-term financial resiliency and future growth.”

Dynasty, according to its website, is a global sports investment firm focused on acquiring minority interests in sports franchises and other related assets and rights.

Its involvement continues the trend of increasing US private equity interest in the Premier League.

Everton’s owner recently agreed a sale to Miami-based private equity company 777 Partners, which also owns stakes in clubs in Italy, Spain, Germany and France, along with commercial rights for the Argentinian and Brazilian football leagues.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) and Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) served as financial advisors to FSG on the deal.

Meanwhile, Manchester United, listed in New York, could reportedly soon to receive a sweetened bid from Ineos owner Jim Radcliffe as he attempts to break the deadlock in the long-running saga.

https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/1027732/manchester-united-could-get-sweetened-bid-from-jim-ratcliffe-1027732.html

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Graeme Souness makes Micah Richards look foolish after Dominik Szoboszlai prediction at Liverpool
Dominik Szoboszlai was the star of the show again for Liverpool during Wednesday’s win over Leicester City

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ByTom CavillaFootball Trends Writer
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Graeme Souness (left) and Micah Richards (right) made contrasting predictions about new Liverpool hero Dominik Szoboszlai

Dominik Szoboszlai lit up Anfield with a stunning strike during Liverpool’s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory versus Leicester City on Wednesday evening.

The Hungarian has hit the ground running at Anfield since joining the club from RB Leipzig this summer and is showing no signs of letting up after his latest special contribution in a Reds shirt.

Few could have imagined the 22-year-old would have enjoyed a start to life at Liverpool as successful as this, though Jurgen Klopp will certainly not be complaining after reaping the rewards of his midfield acquisition.

It hasn’t taken long for Szoboszlai to make an impression on those watching him on a weekly basis, who have been left blown away since viewing the Reds’ No.8 in action.

READ MORE: Jude Bellingham sends one-word message after Dominik Szoboszlai Liverpool goal against Leicester

READ MORE: ‘If they truly knew this’ – National media react to Liverpool win as Jurgen Klopp ‘secret is out’

Garth Crooks was impressed after seeing Szoboszlai come close to scoring in the 3-1 victory at the expense of Bournemouth in August, having seen an ambitious effort parried which Diogo Jota was on hand to convert. Writing in his BBC Sport column, Crooks said: “He can certainly play. Liverpool’s new signing Szoboszlai showed all the touches of a good player against Bournemouth and looks like he wants to be constantly involved in the play. Well, if he’s going to wear Liverpool’s number eight shirt, someone at Anfield had better tell him what that means and who has worn that shirt before him.

“Sammy Lee, Brian Hall, Jimmy Case and Steven Gerrard, who immortalised the jersey, have all worn that shirt with distinction. Szoboszlai needs to know he has big shoes to fill and a heart to match.”

Such comments were recently echoed by ex-Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock after the weekend win over West Ham United. “He’s an outstanding footballer,” stated Warnock. “When you think about all-round game, athletically he looks an absolute beast of a player when he runs past players, he’s got that second, third, fourth gear to ease past and execute a pass.”

Graeme Souness had high hopes for the Hungary captain after seeing him arrive on Merseyside and tipped him, alongside Alexis Mac Allister, to shine at his new club. Souness said: “I like Szoboszlai and I am a big fan of Mac Allister. With (Wataru) Endo, we will wait and see. Getting good reviews playing in the Bundesliga doesn’t mean you will be a success in the Premier League, which is very demanding and the intensity is greater there than anywhere else. Let’s see how he deals with that.

“When you looked at the age, it was not rocket science [it was going to end badly]. They were at an age where you should have been watching it very closely. They have done it now and I think Mac Allister and Szoboszlai are going to be stars for Liverpool, but I would still like them to have an out-and-out top-class holding midfielder.”

Taking praise for the £60m signing to the next level, one-time Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes no other new Premier League player has come close to matching his impact. Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Wolves after the international break in his Sportskeeda column, Merson said: “The Premier League is back after what felt like one of the longest international breaks in history! The 2023-24 campaign may just be four game weeks old, but we’ve already seen a fair share of action and unexpected results, while a handful of new signings have laid down the marker for what’s to come.

“Dominik Szoboszlai has been the pick of the bunch, for me. I hadn’t seen much of the lad while he was at RB Leipzig but I have to say I’ve been so impressed by him, he hasn’t had a bad game yet! He scored a worldie the other day and does a bit of everything, he’s going to be phenomenal for Liverpool in the coming years.”

Not everyone was sold on Szoboszlai, however. Micah Richards remained unsure over the youngster and his ability to adapt to English football when sharing his verdict on the Liverpool’s new recruit ahead of the opening weekend of the season. “Szoboszlai is a good player, I just don’t know if he can deal with the pace of the league,” he told The Rest Is Football podcast. “I think he’s going to be a slow burner.”

Team-mates of Szoboszlai were quick to react to his stunning strike against Leicester yesterday evening, with Jude Bellingham also leaving a comment after witnessing his powerful effort. Endo said: “What a goal.” Mac Allister added: “Keep drinking mate [South American herbal tea].” While Bellingham remarked: “Szobooo,”. accompanied by a rocket emoji.

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