Fenway Sports Group (FSG) owners of Liverpool are reportedly in negotiations to acquire French club Bordeaux.
According to France Bleu Gironde, FSG have entered exclusive talks to purchase the Ligue 2 club as part of their strategy to expand their football portfolio.
Despite being six-time French champions, Bordeaux have faced financial challenges in recent years.
In 2022, the club narrowly avoided relegation to the third tier due to reported debts of €40 million.
Last season, Bordeaux finished 12th in Ligue 2 and are currently undergoing financial scrutiny by the Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion (DNCG).
Reports from France Bleu Gironde indicate that Gérard Lopez, the current owner and president of Bordeaux, is engaged in negotiations with FSG.
Julian Ward, a technical director at FSG who previously served as Liverpool’s sporting director from 2022 to 2023, has reportedly visited the club in southern France to lead discussions.
It’s been reported that a preliminary agreement, known as a ‘terms sheet,’ has been in place between the parties for several days.
In March, Michael Edwards returned to FSG as CEO of football operations, having previously served as Liverpool’s sporting director from 2015 to 2022.
Edwards played a pivotal role in signing key players such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, and Sadio Mane during his tenure at Liverpool.
FSG, headquartered in Boston, have owned Liverpool since 2010 and also holds ownership of MLB team the Boston Red Sox and NHL team the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Edwards said: “I am very grateful to Mike, John, Tom and the ownership group for offering me the opportunity to take on this new leadership role within FSG.
“I was humbled by the desire and persistence they showed in wanting to work with me again.
“This is definitely not something that I take for granted given their track record across sport and business.
“It was vital for me that, if I did return, it had to be with renewed vigour and energy. In practice, this means having fresh challenges and opportunities.
“As such, one of the biggest factors in my decision is the commitment to acquire and oversee an additional club, growing this area of their organization.
“I believe that to remain competitive, investment and expansion of the current football portfolio is necessary.
“With Liverpool F.C., I will oversee the required reinforcement of football operations, with a number of essential leadership positions needing urgent attention. I know from personal experience what a wonderful job Mike Gordon has done with day-to-day oversight on behalf of his fellow owners.
“Going forward I’m looking forward to working with FSG’s Board of Managers.
“Also, in assuming this role, I fully understand that it comes with great expectations, and I therefore intend to identify, hire, and subsequently empower leaders who meet and embody the club’s values and ambitions.
“Having served the club previously I need no reminder of how much emotional investment is made by supporters in the city itself, as well as across the U.K. and the world.
“I am looking forward to getting started.”
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