Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and Bordeaux have announced that Liverpool’s owners will not be acquiring the French club, following a collapse in negotiations.
Last week, it was confirmed that FSG had entered discussions with Bordeaux regarding a potential takeover after the club was demoted to the French third tier due to financial issues. Despite reports that FSG officials were already involved in key decisions at Bordeaux, the deal has now fallen through.
Both FSG and Bordeaux released statements on Tuesday morning to communicate this decision.
FSG’s statement reads:
“Following extensive and constructive discussions with all stakeholders, Fenway Sports Group has decided not to pursue the acquisition of FC Girondins de Bordeaux. We express our gratitude to the chairman and members of the DNCG for their cooperation, and thank all involved at FC Girondins de Bordeaux for their collaboration over the past weeks. Despite our disappointment at not finding a viable outcome, we wish the club and its supporters the best possible future.”
Bordeaux provided more detail on the breakdown in talks, citing FSG’s concerns about the financial commitments required to maintain the stadium.
Their statement reads:
“FC Girondins de Bordeaux and its shareholder have been informed by Fenway Sports Group of its decision not to continue discussions initiated in recent weeks to purchase the club. This decision is due to the significant cost of the stadium in the coming years, as well as the general economic context of French football. FC Girondins de Bordeaux and Gerard Lopez thank Fenway Sports Group for their interest and for travelling to meet with stakeholders. The club and its shareholders are now focused on finalizing a financing plan for the 2024/2025 season in preparation for the appeal hearing.”
FSG is still expected to continue with their plans to acquire at least one more club, though this setback impacts their immediate strategy. Michael Edwards and Julian Ward, former members of Liverpool’s transfer team, have joined FSG this summer. Along with new director of football development Pedro Marques, they are leading plans for a multi-club model.
On Monday, the Boston-based group formed a new private limited company named FSG Football Services Limited, which may be connected to their future plans.
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