5 Feb 2014

Game On: LFC in talks with Melbourne Victory over huge $20m deal. Player-exchange...?

FSG may not have spent any money during the failed January transfer window, but the group is reportedly considering splashing up to $20m on acquiring a stake in Australian club Melbourne Victory.

According to the Melbourne Herald Sun today:

* FSG are in talks with Victory over the possibility of buying a stake in the club.

* Chairman Anthony Di Pietro held talks in England last weekend with LFC 'Officials'

* The expected purchase price will be in the $20m ballpark.

Commenting on the news of LFC's interest, A-League Chief Damien de Bohun enthused:

"There is a large amount of interest from overseas parties looking to invest in Hyundai A-League clubs. We will continue work with any club that considers to receive overseas investment as long as it is mutually beneficial."

Liverpool owner John W. Henry recently attended LFC's home draw with Aston Villa, and the prevailing view seemed to be that he was in Liverpool to discuss the club's transfer business.

In light of this new development, though, perhaps the main reason for his visit was to meet with Melbourne Victory reps?

It certainly wasn't to swiftly conclude transfer deals as the Reds repeatedly failed to close any deals during the January transfer window.

Liverpool beat Victory 2-0 in a friendly last summer, and were cheered on by a staggering 95,000 fans. Clearly, Aussie fans have incredible passion for the Reds (and football in general), and on that basis, the link-up makes a lot of sense.

What is FSG's motive for buying into the club, though? Is it tap into that massive fanbase and build the LFC 'brand' Create a player-exchange system between the two clubs? Maximise the commercial potential of both clubs? How will this proposed link-up help LFC, and indeed Victory?

Man City recently bought a massive stake in Melbourne Heart, and when asked about the motivation behind the deal, Heart's Chairman Bart Campbell Ferran told reporters:

"[The deal] will strengthen the sporting landscape and bring a range of new capabilities to AAMI Park. It is our shared ambition to replicate the model that City created with the New York Yankees around New York City FC and for both organisations to benefit as a result."

With FSG owning the Boston Red Sox, they may be trying to aim for a similar model. A good move for LFC...?

Author:


22 comments:

  1. not a bad business at all..hopefully we can send all our bench warmers there to win the A- league to raise money for liverpool to buy real players

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  2. This is a very good move by FSG, the fans in OZ get a connection with Liverpool and FSG can tap into the commercial market in OZ. FSG can use existing Melbourne Victory connections in the business world there, adding to their portfolio of teams, Warrior will be involved as the kit provider without a doubt.........It's all about money but that is football today isn't it!!!!

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  3. It is always commercial with fsg, Liverpool are commercially vibrant through past success, to get the most we need present success and you wont get that with empty window shopping.

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  4. Should buy Adelaide united Melbourne victory is a sinking ship.
    None the less MV do get the biggest crowds in the A league.

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  5. Clearly "it will strengthen the sporting landscape and bring a range of new capabilities whilst replicating other models bringing benefits to both organisations" I can't wait!

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  6. As an aussie, I don't really follow a-league much, but essentially I'm a Sydney fc fan (but never been to a game).

    Would this make me switch to MVFC? Time will tell.

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  7. More like a horse that tripped but that is not out of the race yet and that, if it puts up one hell of a fight, could still win it.

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  8. Eric you legend, your confidence has further increased mine for the Arsenal game at the weekend :)

    Just imagine once your predictions come true, I so hope they do, Moyes getting sacked for not once looking like he knows what he's doing with man u, a man u "inside source" leaks to the press "Board Considering Approach For Next British Manager" and Brendon Rodgers face when asked for his reaction



    Like a Perfect Storm of a season

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  9. The club which can't buy a single 'unit' (their uppity terminology) in January now wishes to purchase a multi-unit.Incredible.Why not buy Leeds United? Now that would be beneficial to both clubs but maybe a tad upsetting for the Yorkshire fans.

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  10. Let's hope Moyes stays at Man U for a long long time to come :-)

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  11. Usual clueless statement,is your memory really that bad?.As for all the deluded comments about winning the league get real lads.It's not going to happen.

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  12. After our crap result at the weekend, you'd have to think that Evertonians were asking:
    "Who's laughing now!?"

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  13. Dont do it Nick lets hope they buy Adelaide united.

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  14. I'm surprised you've never been. I have a season ticket, it was fun a few years ago when we actually had a good manager and team...


    PS posted 4 hours ago? Why were you up so early!?

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  15. Everton drew 0-0 with West Brom in August.

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  16. Just a few matters with this though there is talk at the moment that A league clubs may be cutting back on overseas players and at present arent making money at all.
    Not sure about the Victory money wise but would like to see European type academies set up at these clubs to entice and develop our talent which is sorely lacking at present.

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  17. Moyes #footballgenius

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  18. nahhhh buy the Phoenix they will rule the A league just as the Breakers rule the basketball. Kiwis have 1 team in each and do very well.

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  19. I've just never got into it because I every time I see it on tv they can't string 5 passes together.
    Had an early work shift...

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  20. this mean our outcast player can go over there ??? e.g. those old player

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  21. FSG could be very good in Base Ball or franchise based sports business, but they are as dumb & novice in European club football as anybody. If luck is with us, may be with such a thin squad, we might snick into 4th spot. But if not, FSG 'll rue the chance of 50mn+ earning which they could have ensured with 20mn investment this Jan. Hope I am wrong.

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  22. I was shoehorning in a reference to Evil Dead 2.

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