Liverpool owners FSG have reportedly assured Jurgen Klopp that any transfer business will not be hampered by takeover negotiations.
Last week, it was revealed that the FSG had put Liverpool up for sale, with the Americans enlisting the help of Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.
“There have been a number of recent ownership changes and rumors of ownership changes at EPL clubs, and we inevitably get asked regularly about the ownership of Fenway Sports Group in Liverpool,” the statement said at the time.
“FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders of Liverpool. FSG has said before that, under the correct terms and conditions, we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interest of Liverpool as a club.
“FSG remains fully committed to Liverpool’s success, both on and off the pitch.”
And now CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs has an update on a potential acquisition with FSG preferring “a full sale over a minority investment.”
Jacobs wrote on Twitter: “A little more information on a possible Liverpool sale. I understand that FSG would prefer a complete sale to a minority investment despite listening to offers of all kinds. And the expectation, from those familiar with the process, is that a sale could happen sooner rather than later.
“It’s important to note that ‘before’ in a sales context still takes a fair amount of time, especially without an interested party being in exclusive discussions or having done due diligence. But sources stress that the wheels are very much in motion with Mike Gordon now focused on finding options.
“Jurgen Klopp has been given guarantees, regardless of the timescale, that the next two transfer windows will not be affected by the process. It’s business as usual on the hiring and planning side.
“Multiple sources also say the sale process is framed towards a US-led investor, with a group having been in talks for a few weeks now and other investors, who specifically considered Chelsea, still seriously considering an offer.
“Since David Ornstein broke the news of a possible sale, Liverpool have had a number of new takers inquiring. But both Dubai Holding (or an affiliate) and Mumtalakat deny any interest. A MENA based buyer or investor is not likely.
“Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) is a genuine suitor and since trying Chelsea they have held their own in the market for a global club/brand. This is not good news for Palace (Harris/Blitzer own shares). But Palace did not present any obstacles during the Chelsea sale bid.
“FSG expects Liverpool to sell for around $1 billion more than Chelsea, although their Forbes valuation is even higher ($4.45 billion). They have specifically used that sale as a criteria. That would put a current market asking price of $3.7bn (£3.1bn).
“Chelsea actually sold for $3.1bn at the time, which was the equivalent of £2.3bn. But now it would only be $2.7 billion and that’s the number against which the #LFC judges its value to some extent.
“Those familiar with the process believe that offers of $3 billion or more will be seriously considered.” However, if a successful bidder advances, the increasing volume of interest should result in a higher sale price.
“A full sale is far from certain. FSG is looking for the right group and the right price (they are making a big profit either way), so a lot will depend not only on the offer but also on the club’s future plans.”