Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have decided not to pursue the acquisition of French Ligue 2 side Girondins de Bordeaux.
Discussions between FSG and Bordeaux representatives began recently, coinciding with a visit by an FSG delegation to France for Bordeaux’s meeting with the financial oversight body of French football, the DNCG.
Bordeaux, facing financial difficulties, risked demotion to the Championnat National for the upcoming season unless they could demonstrate a viable budget within the next two weeks.
Talks with FSG were seen as a potential solution to avoid this scenario.
However, concerns arose over the financial implications of acquiring the 42,115-seater Matmut Atlantique Stadium, which is owned by the local authority and valued at approximately €40 million.
Additionally, broader concerns about the economic landscape of French football, including uncertainties surrounding future broadcast deals, led FSG to terminate negotiations.
A statement from Bordeaux read: “FC Girondins de Bordeaux and its shareholder have been informed by Fenway Sports Group of its desire not to pursue discussions initiated in recent weeks with a view to purchasing the club.
“This decision is explained in particular by the significant cost of the stadium in the years to come, but also by the general economic context of French football.
“FC Girondins de Bordeaux and Gérard Lopez thank Fenway Sports Group for the interest shown in the club as well as its teams for traveling to meet its stakeholders.
“The Club and its shareholder are now putting all their energy into finalizing a financing plan for the 2024/2025 season with a view to the appeal hearing.”
Since the announcement of Michael Edwards’ return in March, Fenway Sports Group’s intentions to expand their sporting portfolio with another football team have become increasingly apparent.
Former Liverpool sporting director Edwards was enticed back to FSG to take on the role of head of football.
He now leads a team that includes Julian Ward, another former Reds sporting director, and Pedro Marques, formerly of Benfica’s technical staff.
The pursuit of a multi-club ownership (MCO) model was a significant factor in Edwards’ decision to accept this new role within FSG.
He believes this model offers the best opportunity for long-term success, both for Liverpool and any additional clubs FSG may acquire.
An FSG statement read: “Despite our disappointment at having not found a favourable outcome, we wish the club and its supporters the best possible outcome.”
The search will now continue following the conclusion of talks with Bordeaux chiefs, with markets such as Portugal and Belgium also under consideration.
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