Tech billionaire Elon Musk’s potential interest in Liverpool Football Club has sparked widespread speculation after his father, Errol Musk, hinted at the family’s desire to acquire the Premier League giants.
Speaking to Times Radio, Errol Musk raised eyebrows when asked about his son’s rumored interest in purchasing Liverpool.
“He would like to, yes, obviously. Anybody would want to,” the elder Musk said, though he quickly added a cautious note,
“I can’t comment on that, they’ll raise the price!”
Via economictimes
The family’s connection to Liverpool runs deeper than mere business interest.
“His grandmother was born in Liverpool, and we have relatives there,” Errol revealed, adding that the family had personal connections with members of The Beatles during their early years.
Despite the buzz generated by these comments, Liverpool’s current owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), have made it clear the club isn’t for sale.
FSG, who acquired the club for £300 million in 2010, recently welcomed US investment firm Dynasty Equity as a minority stakeholder in September 2023, reinforcing their long-term commitment to the club.
The timing of these ownership rumors comes at a crucial moment for Liverpool.
The club faces contract negotiations with key players Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contracts are set to expire.
Currently valued at £4.3 billion by Forbes, Liverpool ranks as the fourth most valuable soccer club globally.
For Musk, whose estimated net worth of £340 billion dwarfs the club’s valuation, financial feasibility wouldn’t be an obstacle.
However, soccer finance expert Dr. Rob Wilson warns that any potential takeover could face scrutiny.
“Liverpool fans should be wary,” Wilson cautioned, drawing parallels between Musk’s management style at X and recent efficiency drives at other Premier League clubs.
The prospect of Musk’s ownership has already divided the Liverpool fanbase.
While some are attracted to his financial might, others express concern about aligning his controversial public persona with Liverpool’s community-rooted values and traditions.
As speculation continues, Liverpool remains focused on their Premier League title campaign, with FSG maintaining their stance that the club is not for sale.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- The situation with Newcastle United serves as a cautionary tale, where despite having wealthy Saudi owners, they nearly had to sell Anthony Gordon to Liverpool due to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). This illustrates how even clubs with enormous financial backing must operate within regulatory constraints.
- John Henry, Liverpool’s owner, made a noteworthy comment about FSG’s future with the club, stating, “Will we be in England forever? No. Are we selling LFC? Have we sold anything in the past 20+ years?” This suggests a complex long-term perspective on ownership that wasn’t explored in the main article.
- The club posted a pre-tax loss of £9 million in its last financial report, with its managing director Andy Hughes emphasizing financial sustainability as a key priority since FSG’s 2010 takeover. The upcoming financial results, expected next month, might show additional strain due to the absence of Champions League revenue.
