Liverpool's £164m deal is 'nightmare scenario' for Neville after Man Utd warning

29 September 2023 , 09:50

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Gary Neville has made his feelings clear on Man Utd's ownership (Image: PA)

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has already expressed his concern about the Glazer family welcoming a deal similar to the one Liverpool have agreed with Dynasty Equity.

Dynasty Equity, a US private equity firm, have made an investment of up to $200m (£164m) to take a small stake in Liverpool. Current owners Fenway Sports Group will remain in charge, with the new investors taking a passive role.

The investment is understood to end FSG's search for investment, with the owners confirming as recently as August that talks were ongoing. None of the money will go towards transfers, though, instead going towards paying off bank debt accrued during the pandemic and covering capital expenses.

Liverpool's owners had previously explored the possibility of a full takeover before settling on the current approach. Manchester United owners the Glazers have also looked at a number of options as part of a process designed to explore 'strategic alternatives' for the club.

The Glazers have received takeover bids, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani both entertaining the prospect of buying the club. There has also been interest in minority investment, though, and no resolution has been reached.

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United's owners have proved unpopular with fans, while Neville himself has regularly voiced his frustrations with the Americans. His annoyance extends to the matter of strategic investment which might leave the current owners in control of the club, something which he detailed on The Overlap.

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Liverpool's owners have taken investment in the club (Getty Images)

"Strategic investment - which is something FSG are mentioning at Liverpool - that means that ultimately you buy part of the family out and leave Joel and Avram [Glazer] in," Neville said. "But what Joel and Avram will retain is running and control of the club - that is a nightmare scenario.

"...Any investor coming in to take out a minority stake, they will be very unpopular people and their brand will be damaged," he continued. There have been a number of protests against the Glazers both before and after the takeover saga began, with Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag saying fans have the right to protest.

Speaking after the Dynasty investment FSG president Mike Gordon insisted nothing has changed when it comes to the group's commitment to the club. "Our long-term commitment to Liverpool remains as strong as ever," 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. We look forward to building upon the long-standing relationship with Dynasty to further strengthen the club's financial position and sustain our ambitions for continued success on and off the pitch."

Tom Victor