90min

Liverpool owners in talks to buy struggling French giants

  • Fenway Sports Group in talks over deal to buy Bordeaux
  • Six-time Ligue 1 winners facing relegation to third tier over financial issues
  • Club given two weeks to preserve status in Ligue 2

By Tom Gott

FSG are pursuing a takeover of Bordeaux
FSG are pursuing a takeover of Bordeaux / James Baylis - AMA/GettyImages
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Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are in talks over a potential takeover of struggling French giants Bordeaux.

Bordeaux, who won their sixth Ligue 1 title as recently as 2009, have been provisionally relegated to the third tier of French football after failing to prove they had the necessary finances to support another season in Ligue 2.

With two weeks to raise money and acquire a license to play in Ligue 2, Bordeaux confirmed they are in negotiations with FSG.

"FC Girondins de Bordeaux continues its discussions with Fenway Sports Group in view of the DNCG appeal commission," a club statement read.

"During the hearing on June 27, the DNCG had pronounced a stay of proceedings for FC Girondins de Bordeaux in order to provide all the necessary guarantees for financing the 2024-2025 season. For the moment, the progress of the case has led the DNCG to pronounce the relegation of the club to the National Championship 1. 

"The club is appealing the decision and now has time to finalise one of the options that will secure funding for next season. 

"In this regard, the project to sell a majority stake in the capital to Fenway Sports Group was presented this morning to the DNCG in the presence of its representatives and we are working hand in hand with them as part of the continuation of negotiations and due diligence."

Bordeau
Bordeaux are facing relegation to the third tier / THIBAUD MORITZ/GettyImages

FSG are looking to invest €100m over six years with Bordeaux, who need between €30m and €40m in their accounts to seal a spot in next season's Ligue 2.

The group have long made clear their desire to join the growing movement towards multi-club ownership, with a number of officials hired this summer to oversee FSG's expansion.

Michael Edwards, former Liverpool sporting director, returned as FSG's chief executive of football and would be in charge of appointing a team to take charge of Bordeaux if a takeover is completed. There would also be roles for FSG directors Pedro Marques and Julian Ward.

Bordeaux are currently managed by former Liverpool winger Albert Riera, who made 56 appearances for the Reds between 2008 and 2010.

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