Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the owners of Liverpool Football Club, have confirmed that they are in negotiations to purchase French club Bordeaux. The talks have been prompted by Bordeaux’s recent demotion to the third tier of French football due to their long-standing debt and financial issues.
The decision to relegate Bordeaux was made by the Direction Nationale du Controle de Gestion (DNCG), which is responsible for overseeing the financial aspects of French football. This move has put the club in a precarious position, with major sanctions looming over them. However, if FSG’s proposed purchase goes through, it would help Bordeaux avoid these penalties and secure their future beyond the 2024/2025 season.
In a statement released by Bordeaux, they confirmed that talks were underway following a presentation to the DNCG. The club is appealing the decision to relegate them and is working with FSG to finalize a deal that would provide the necessary funding for next season. The proposed sale would involve FSG acquiring a majority stake in Bordeaux, which aligns with their plans for a multi-club project with Liverpool at the forefront.
FSG also issued a statement acknowledging their interest in acquiring Girondins de Bordeaux. While a deal has not yet been agreed upon, progress is expected within the next two weeks, indicating that FSG is serious about their intentions. The reported amount for the potential acquisition is £67.6 million.
If the takeover is successful, the management of the multi-club model will be led by FSG’s CEO of football, Michael Edwards, along with technical director Julian Ward and director of football development Pedro Marques. This underscores FSG’s commitment to expanding their football portfolio and remaining competitive in the evolving landscape of the sport.
The potential acquisition of Bordeaux by FSG not only highlights their ambition to grow and diversify their holdings but also indicates the challenges faced by smaller clubs in maintaining financial stability. By injecting much-needed funds into Bordeaux, FSG could help revive the club and restore its position in French football. This move could also create opportunities for player transfers and collaborations between Bordeaux and Liverpool, further strengthening the ties between the two clubs.