Saudi Arabia is encouraging its investors to take over the ownership of Manchester United and Liverpool.
The two Premier League clubs are now officially on the market after their owners reiterate the intention to sale the club.
This means that two top Premier League clubs may be witnessing a dramatic change of ownership after Todd Boehly took over the ownership of Chelsea.
Before the Glazers at Manchester United opted to sell after much pressure, Fenway Sports Group, led by John Henry had already reiterated his interest in selling Liverpool.
While the situation at Manchester United leading to the Glazers’ decision to sell is a bit clear, that of Liverpool remains vague.
While Liverpool have struggled this season, the team has recorded immense success under the era of Jurgen Klopp as manager.
They are Champions League regulars and have won the Premier League FA Cup, EFL Cup, Community Shield, the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
Jurgen Klopp has won many major domestic and European trophies as manager. Hence, the decision by Fenway Sports Group to sell Liverpool still remains a mystery.
However, speculations have linked John Henry’s decision to sell the club to the anticipated financial losses that may follow the team in the following years
There have been reports that the failure of the belated European Super League is also among the reasons John Henry had decided to part ways with Liverpool.
Recall that some top clubs in Europe planned to initiate an elitist football league with no relegation or promotion to rival the Champions League and provide steady revenue to the respective clubs.
The move was met with heavy backlash from fans, UEFA, and FIFA, who blamed the grandiose and ambitious scheme on the greed of the owners of these big clubs.
They argued, the European Super League will prove unsustainable in the long run and will damage the football ecosystem in Europe.
The plan was later abandoned, with all big six in the Premier League pulling out after massive fans’ protests and criticisms.
Liverpool were among the teams involved and John Henry had to apologize to the fans for the blunder.
While the Super Leaugue failed, the only alternative left for constant revenue streams for the top clubs is the Champions League.
Now, in the English Premier League, the emergence of Newcastle as potential contenders for the only four Champions League slots is a turn-off for Fenway Sports Group.
Powered by the Saudi oil money and state fund, Newcastle will make the top four battle messier and the potential financial fortunes from the Champions League will be curtailed. Hence, John Henry has decided to sale off instead of risking losses in the future.
While Manchester United were also involved in the European Super League, the decision to sell by the Glazers has not been linked to the botched elitist club competition but to mounting pressures by fans and a proven record of poor management, which stifled the growth of the club.
While John Henry wants over £2billion for Liverpool, the Glazers are expecting between £5billion to £8billion for Manchester United.
Amid the interest that has poured in to acquire both clubs, Saudi Arabia are reportedly encouraging its investors to wade into the bid for two clubs and buy them.
In an interview with Sky News, Saudi Arabia Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal revealed the country’s latest sporting ambitions is to own the two Premier League giants – Liverpool and Manchester United – currently in the market.
“I hope so, if there are investors and the numbers add up, and it makes a good business,” he said.
He added: “The Premier League is the best league in the world. Everyone’s watching the Premier League. It’s the most watched league and there are diehard fans of these teams in the kingdom. So it would be a benefit for everyone.”
Note that the sovereign wealth fund already owns Newcastle.
The Saudis bought the Magpies in 2021 through the Public Investment Fund, which the Premier League claims is not controlled by the government despite being headed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Now Liverpool and Manchester United can be added to the list as confirmed by the Sports minister.
