Journalist: FSG Eyes Multi-Club Ownership with Bordeaux Move | OneFootball

FSG’s Bold Move into French Football: Potential Bordeaux Takeover

Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the owners of Liverpool FC, have been reported to be exploring a takeover opportunity for the French club Girondins de Bordeaux. This news, initially reported by L’Equipe and covered by DAVEOCKOP, has garnered significant attention. The move signals FSG’s serious intent towards multi-club ownership, a model already embraced by Manchester City and Chelsea.

Bordeaux is in a precarious financial situation, needing €42m to reverse the DNCG’s ruling and fund a full Ligue 2 season. The club’s financial woes have seen them drop from Ligue 1 to potentially facing relegation to National 1, the third tier of French football. The potential involvement of FSG could be a lifeline for the six-time French champions.

FSG’s Strategic Involvement

FSG’s involvement with Bordeaux, despite not having completed an outright takeover, is unprecedented. According to L’Equipe, FSG is already influencing key decisions at the club, including the potential contract renewal of defender Vital Nsimba and the possible departure of goalkeeper Gaëtan Weissbeck. This level of influence suggests a deep commitment from FSG to revitalize Bordeaux’s fortunes.

The financial support from FSG could be crucial in reversing Bordeaux’s relegation decision. “After a meeting between the club, FSG and the DNCG (French football’s financial watchdog), it was reported that the provisional relegation faced by the club could be contested and Bordeaux would remain in Ligue 2 for the 2024/25 season if the takeover could be completed within two weeks,” stated DAVEOCKOP. This highlights the urgency and the potential impact of FSG’s involvement.

Picture:IMAGO

Multi-Club Ownership: A Growing Trend

FSG’s interest in Bordeaux is part of a broader strategy to expand their portfolio in football. They are also exploring opportunities in the South American market. The multi-club ownership model allows for resource sharing, talent development, and strategic synergies across clubs. FSG’s track record with Liverpool and their sports ventures in the USA, including the Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Penguins, suggests they have the expertise to manage and grow their football investments.

A New Chapter for Bordeaux?

The potential FSG takeover could herald a new era for Bordeaux. The club, once a regular in Ligue 1 and occasional participants in the UEFA Champions League, has seen a sharp decline due to financial struggles exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. FSG’s involvement could provide the stability and investment needed to return Bordeaux to the top tier of French football.

Bordeaux fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as these developments unfold. The promise of financial stability and a return to former glories is an enticing prospect. As FSG moves closer to finalizing the takeover, the football world will be keen to see how this venture pans out and what it means for the future of multi-club ownership in football.

The potential takeover of Bordeaux by Fenway Sports Group marks a significant development in the football world. It reflects the growing trend of multi-club ownership and underscores FSG’s ambition to expand their influence in global football. The immediate impact on Bordeaux’s financial stability and league status will be closely monitored. This strategic move could be a game-changer for both Bordeaux and FSG, signaling a new chapter in their respective journeys.