Liverpool chief opens up on investment talks after ruling out full sale

01 August 2023 , 06:00

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Liverpool chief opens up on investment talks after ruling out full sale

Liverpool's owners are still seeking to bring extra investment into the club after scrapping plans for a full sale.

Last November, it emerged that Fenway Sports Group (FSG) were open to a full takeover, with US banks Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley appointed to help oversee the process. But three months later principle owner John Henry dismissed the possibility of the club being bought outright.

But chief executive Billy Hogan has now confirmed that FSG are continuing to pursue outside investment. A lack of financial power has undoubtedly hurt Liverpool in the transfer market this summer, with the Reds having to give up their long-term chase of Jude Bellingham.

This week, Jurgen Klopp also dismissed speculation the club had made an ambitious loan move for PSG striker Kylian Mbappe. The German boss conceded Liverpool did not have the financial power to be able to match the Frenchman's wage demands.

But speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Hogan said that talks were ongoing over bringing in new investment opportunities. Asked if any deals were close to being secured, he said: “Certainly nothing to announce. Those conversations continue, and as the ownership has said, the opportunity is obviously there for investment."

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However, he also implied that the club would only negotiate with favoured parties: “If it happens, it's going to be based on finding the right partner – the right partner for Liverpool, and Liverpool being the right partner for them," he continued. "At the appropriate time, if there's something to announce then we'll let you know.

FSG are not ready to sell Liverpool but are seeking new investment (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

“In any relationship, partnership is part of it. Having the right partners is incredibly important. In the same way we look at our partners from a sponsorship and commercial standpoint, an investment partner needs to be the right partner to be additive to what we are doing."

Liverpool have splashed out £96 million this summer, bringing in Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and Dominik Szoboszlai from Red Bull Leipzig. Klopp is also currently chasing Southampton star Romeo Lavia, with a bid worth up to £38 million having already been rejected.

A host of stars have also headed out of Anfield. Amongst them, club captain Jordan Henderson has joined Saudi club Al-Ettifaq fo £12 million, and on Monday Fabinho's £40 million move to Al-Ittihad was also completed.

Fraser Watson