FSG, led by Michael Edwards, plans to acquire Bordeaux to expand their multi-club model, leveraging expertise for Liverpool’s success and tapping into French talent.
FSG Group Extends To Bordeaux
Football club FC Girondins de Bordeaux are a French team and its owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have declared their intention to take a majority ownership in the team.
Julian Ward a former sporting director of Liverpool and Pedro Marques a player from Benfica have joined Michael Edwards as FSG’s head of football following his return.
Edwards’ decision to take on his new position was largely influenced by the plan to implement a multi-club ownership model (MCO) which is viewed as a tactic to ensure long-term success for Liverpool and any other clubs that FSG acquires.
Although the negotiations with Bordeaux are still preliminary FSG wants to build on the club’s legacy and future prospects in order to increase the size of their portfolio.
Current Challenges
Originally a well-known team in French football, Bordeaux are currently in the third division of the Championnat National due to financial issues.
The club’s problems started with American businessman Joe DaGrosas’ botched takeover attempt which resulted in financial instability made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic and a broken TV contract with Mediapro.
The club’s current owner Gerard Lopez has been making an effort to stabilize it but the DNCG the financial watchdog has insisted on a realistic budget for the forthcoming campaign.
In the event that Lopez’s plan to sell FSG the majority of the team is carried out, Bordeaux may have a chance to stabilize and move back up the French football rankings.
Strategic Benefits And Future Implications
FSG gains strategic advantages from the acquisition of Bordeaux notably access to a football talent hotbed with robust ties to the African market and in the Ligue 1.
Although owned by the city council of Bordeaux the stadium has a seating capacity of 41,115 and offers additional revenue opportunities if purchased.
Bordeaux and Liverpool’s partnership would enable the sharing of operational knowledge and possibly provide a platform for Liverpool’s fringe players to gain experience.
Bordeaux’s connections including its relationship with Argentine powerhouse Newells Old Boys may also make it easier for FSG to pursue its goal of growing into the South American market, particularly Brazil.
FSG’s plan to stay competitive against rivals like Manchester City and Chelsea who also have ownership interests in French clubs has advanced significantly with this acquisition.
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