Liverpool are yet to expand into the multi-club model.
Image credit: Anfield Aura
Liverpool Football Club is exploring the world of multi-club ownership, a model that has gained traction among top European teams.
Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool’s owners, are considering the acquisition of Spanish side Malaga CF as part of their expansion strategy.
Why is Liverpool Interested in Malaga?
FSG has been evaluating several Spanish clubs, including Levante, Elche, Espanyol, Getafe, and Real Valladolid.
However, their focus appears to be on Malaga, a club with a rich history that reached the Champions League quarter-finals in 2012/13 but has since fallen on hard times.
The club recently earned promotion from Spain’s third tier, but financial struggles and complex ownership structures have hampered its progress.
Challenges in the Takeover Bid
FSG met with Malaga representatives in February to discuss the possibility of purchasing a 51% stake currently controlled by Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani.
However, the club has been in administration since 2019, complicating the acquisition process.
Additionally, Paris Saint-Germain’s ownership group, Qatar Sports Investment (QSI), is also vying for Malaga, reportedly progressing further in negotiations.
Liverpool’s Multi-Club Strategy
Unlike Manchester City’s City Football Group and Chelsea’s BlueCo, Liverpool has yet to expand into the multi-club model.
Currently, FSG owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, RFK Racing in NASCAR, and Boston Common Golf, with Liverpool as their sole football club.
🟢 𝑩𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑵𝑬𝑾𝑺
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) March 29, 2025
Liverpool owners FSG exploring purchase of Spanish club Malaga.
✍️ @David_Ornstein pic.twitter.com/qiROPgr0yW
The return of Michael Edwards as Liverpool’s CEO of football has reinforced FSG’s commitment to expansion.
Edwards emphasized the importance of growing Liverpool’s football portfolio, stating that acquiring additional clubs is crucial for long-term competitiveness.
The Benefits of Multi-Club Ownership
While multi-club ownership is often met with skepticism, it offers numerous advantages. These include:
- Talent Development: Young players can gain experience at affiliated clubs while playing in a similar tactical system, easing their transition to the parent club.
- Increased Scouting Reach: Expanding into different leagues allows for broader scouting networks and talent acquisition.
- Commercial Expansion: Owning multiple clubs helps expand a club’s global brand and business opportunities.
- Financial Gains: Loaning players within a multi-club network can increase their value before selling them for a profit.
Is Multi-Club Ownership Legal?
Despite concerns, UEFA has adjusted its regulations to allow clubs under the same ownership to compete in the same competitions, provided they adhere to specific financial and operational guidelines.
The multi-club model has grown significantly, with nearly 200 clubs operating under such structures as of 2024.
Liverpool’s Next Steps
Liverpool’s interest in Malaga signals a strategic shift in their approach to football management.
If successful, this acquisition could be the first step in building a larger football empire, enhancing their competitive edge in Europe.
