After a protracted takeover saga, Sheikh Jassim and his Nine Two foundation have decided not to pursue the purchase of Manchester United, according to news reports from last week.
However, in an unexpected change of events, he is rumored to make a move for Premier League rivals Liverpool, who previously acknowledged they were ‘open to proposals’ in November.
The Qataris set aside roughly $8 billion (£6.57 billion) for the United project, according to Daily Mail journalist Mike Keegan, who was interviewed on the podcast “It’s All Kicking Off.”
What a tale that would be [to buy Liverpool]—that money is there and ready to go, burning a hole in their pockets.
“From what I understand, the Qataris are extremely, very angry and upset with how this has turned out.
“What better way to respond than to get United’s biggest rivals from down the road and throw all that money you were going to throw into Manchester United into making them pay for that decision not to sell to you.”
But in February, John Henry, the Reds’ owner, virtually ruled out a full sale of the team by adamantly stating that Fenway Sports Group was committed to the team.
I realize there has been a lot of discussion and statements about LFC, but I stay to the facts: we only formalized an existing process, he told the Boston Sports Journal (via The Independent).
Will we stay in England indefinitely? No. Do we promote LFC? No. Are you discussing LFC with investors? Yes. Will there be an event there? Although I think so, there won’t be a sale.
Have we made any sales in the last twenty or more years?
Nevertheless, FSG consented to sell a stake in Liverpool in September, indicating that they would be open to additional investment.
FSG President Mike Gordon said on the Liverpool website in a statement revealing the club’s minority sale: “Our long-term commitment to Liverpool remains as strong as ever.
We have often stated that we would pursue the possibility to help assure the club’s long-term financial stability and future expansion if there were a suitable investment partner for Liverpool.
“We look forward to enhancing our long-standing partnership with Dynasty to further bolster the club’s financial position and support our aspirations for ongoing success both on and off the field,” the statement reads.