Reports have emerged suggesting potential Saudi Arabian interest in a future acquisition of Liverpool FC, a development that would undoubtedly spark strong reactions from the club’s fanbase.
This follows three years after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) took over Newcastle United, a deal that has since come under increased scrutiny. Leaked WhatsApp messages appear to challenge the ‘legally binding assurances’ that PIF operates independently of the Saudi state. Now, rumours are circulating that the Gulf nation’s sovereign wealth fund may be targeting clubs of even greater stature.
On Tuesday, The Independent journalist Miguel Delaney reported that the Saudi state is believed to be eyeing an even more high-profile takeover. According to Delaney, there is a prevailing sentiment within football circles that PIF has ambitions far beyond Newcastle. Rumours are swirling about both Liverpool and Chelsea being potential targets, while Barcelona is also mentioned, primarily due to the club’s well-documented financial troubles.
For many Liverpool supporters, the prospect of a Saudi-led takeover is nothing short of alarming. While Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the club’s current owners, have faced criticism for various decisions over the years, the majority of the fanbase would likely prefer to see them remain in control if the alternative is ownership by a regime with a questionable human rights record.
The idea of Liverpool falling under the control of Saudi Arabia’s PIF is troubling for several reasons. Even though the fund could theoretically bring unprecedented financial investment to the club, Liverpool fans take immense pride in the values their club stands for, values that go beyond just success on the field.
Under FSG’s stewardship, the Reds have enjoyed sustained success, competing for and winning major trophies, all without the moral and ethical baggage that Saudi ownership would likely bring.
The current ownership group may not have been flawless, but they have kept Liverpool competitive at the highest level while maintaining a clear conscience—something that is not easy to say about a potential takeover by a state with a track record of human rights abuses. The comparison between FSG and the regime led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is stark. While FSG’s missteps, such as their involvement in the failed European Super League, have caused frustration, they pale in comparison to the controversies that surround the Saudi regime, from alleged complicity in human rights violations to censorship and the suppression of dissent.
Moreover, a takeover by the Saudi state would raise concerns about the integrity of football competitions. Liverpool fans have witnessed the controversy surrounding Manchester City’s alleged financial rule breaches, with accusations of related-party transactions clouding the Premier League champions’ success. Newcastle, now under Saudi ownership, played a contentious role as a witness for Manchester City in their recent legal battle with the Premier League over financial fair play rules. Many Reds fans would find it deeply troubling if their club became embroiled in similar issues, facing allegations of financial manipulation or potential conflicts of interest.
The political implications of a Saudi takeover would also be impossible to ignore. Over the past few years, the global football landscape has become increasingly intertwined with geopolitics, and the acquisition of major clubs by state-backed entities is often seen as a form of “sportswashing.” This term describes the use of sport to improve a country’s global image, deflecting attention from its human rights record or political controversies. For a club like Liverpool, whose history is deeply rooted in working-class values and community spirit, becoming a tool in such an agenda would be anathema to many of its fans.
While the financial allure of a Saudi takeover might be tempting to some, especially in an era where football clubs are constantly seeking new ways to remain competitive, many Liverpool supporters would argue that no amount of money is worth compromising the club’s principles. Liverpool has always been more than just a football club; it is a symbol of resistance, social justice, and unity. A Saudi state takeover could tarnish that legacy.
Ultimately, while rumors about a possible Saudi takeover are still just that—rumors—it is clear that such a move would be met with fierce opposition from a large section of the fanbase. Many would rather see FSG continue their tenure, despite their occasional misjudgments, than see the club fall into the hands of a regime with a deeply problematic record on human rights. For now, Liverpool fans will hope that their club’s values remain intact and that such a day, where their beloved team is entangled in geopolitics and controversy, never comes.
COMMENTS