Jurgen Klopp told Liverpool sale doesn’t affect transfers as ‘genuine suitor’ emerges for £3.1bn takeover

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has reportedly been given assurances by club owners FSG that transfers and business will not be impacted by takeover negotiations.

Last week, it was reported that the American owners FSG had put Liverpool up for sale with the owners appointing Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to help with the process.

A club statement released to that effect read: “There have been a number of recent changes of ownership and rumours of changes in ownership at EPL clubs and inevitably we are asked regularly about Fenway Sports Group’s ownership in Liverpool.

“FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders in Liverpool. FSG has said before that under the right terms and conditions we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club.

“FSG remains fully committed to the success of Liverpool, both on and off the pitch.”

However, CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has now reported that there could be a potential takeover, as FSG prefer “a full sale over minority investment”.

Speaking on Twitter, Jacobs said that a sale of the club that is valued at $3.7bn (£3.1bn) could happen sooner, rather than later.

“Bit more info on a prospective Liverpool sale. My understanding is that FSG would prefer a full sale over minority investment despite hearing offers of all kinds,” he said.

“And the expectation, from those familiar with the process, is that a sale may happen sooner rather than later.

“Important to note, ‘sooner’ in a sale context still takes a fair amount of time, especially with no interested party in exclusive talks or having undertaken due diligence. But sources do stress wheels are very much in motion, with Mike Gordon now focused on finding options.

The sports journalist also revealed that Klopp has been told that what happens in the boardroom will not accept the club’s transfer business and recruitment.

“Jurgen Klopp has been given guarantees, regardless of timescale, that the next two transfer windows won’t be affected by the process. It’s business as usual on the recruitment and planning side,” he added.

“Multiple sources also say the sale process is framed towards an American-led investor, with one group already some weeks into talks and other investors, who specifically considered Chelsea, still giving a bid serious consideration.

“Since David Ornstein broke the news of a potential sale, Liverpool have had a number of new suitors enquire. But Dubai Holding (or an affiliate) and Mumtalakat both deny interest. A MENA-based buyer or investor is not likely.

“Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) are a genuine suitor and, since trying for Chelsea, have remained on the market for a global club/brand. This isn’t great news for Palace (Harris/Blitzer own shares). But Palace didn’t present any roadblocks during the Chelsea sale tender.

“FSG expect Liverpool to sell for close to $1bn more than Chelsea, although their Forbes valuation is even higher ($4.45bn). They have specifically used that sale as a yardstick. That would put a sale price in today’s market at $3.7bn (£3.1bn).

“Chelsea actually went for $3.1bn at the time, which equated to £2.3bn. But now it would only be $2.7bn and that’s the number #LFC are to some extent judging their value against.

“The expectation, from those familiar with the process, is offers of $3bn and above will be seriously entertained. But the growing volume of interest should result in a higher sale price should a chosen bidder progress.

“A full sale is by no means certain. FSG don’t just want the right price (they are making a huge profit either way), but the right group as well, so a lot will depend on not just the offer but the plan for the club going forward.