Liverpool’s FSG Face PSG in Race to Buy Spanish Club in €100m Deal | OneFootball

Liverpool and PSG Owners Battle for Málaga: A New Multi-Club Acquisition

The battle for Málaga CF is heating up as Liverpool’s owner, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), faces off with Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) owners, Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), in a bid to acquire the Spanish side. As reported by Paul Joyce in The Times, both clubs are looking to enhance their multi-club models and have set their sights on Málaga, currently competing in La Liga 2. With a potential purchase price of around €100 million (£83.6 million), the deal would represent a significant step in expanding the influence of both FSG and QSI in European football.

Málaga’s Struggles and Potential for Growth

Málaga has fallen on hard times since their heyday in 2012-13, when they reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Once a force in Spanish football, the club has struggled in recent years, dropping out of La Liga in 2018 and now competing in the second tier of Spanish football. Currently in administration and under judicial control, Málaga’s ownership is divided, with Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani holding a 51% share and the Spanish hotel and real estate group Blue Bay owning the remaining 49%.

Despite these financial and structural challenges, Málaga presents a significant opportunity for potential investors. The club’s facilities and infrastructure remain attractive, and with the right leadership, there is immense potential for growth. FSG and QSI, both experienced in managing top-tier clubs, see this as a prime opportunity to build a successful project in a market ripe for development.

FSG’s Interest and Strategic Approach

FSG, which also owns Liverpool, has been exploring new investment opportunities as part of their multi-club model. A delegation from FSG, including Liverpool’s former sporting director Michael Edwards, visited Málaga recently to tour the club’s facilities. Edwards, who rejoined FSG in an overarching role after leaving Liverpool in 2022, has played a key part in this process. Along with Edwards, Liverpool’s technical director Julian Ward and director of football development Pedro Marques were also part of the delegation, highlighting the importance FSG places on this acquisition.

As reported The Times, FSG is keen to purchase a new club to enhance their portfolio and continue their success in global football investment. Edwards’ expertise in running successful football operations is seen as key to reviving Málaga’s fortunes. However, the competition from QSI, which owns PSG and has stakes in other clubs like SC Braga, is a significant obstacle. QSI’s substantial financial power makes them a serious threat in this battle.

QSI’s Involvement and the Multi-Club Model

QSI’s interest in Málaga further strengthens the competition for ownership. As the owners of PSG, QSI has been at the forefront of expanding their multi-club model, and acquiring Málaga would fit into their long-term plans. QSI has already made moves in Portugal with SC Braga, and the acquisition of a Spanish club would broaden their influence in European football.

While FSG’s presence in football ownership and their strategy for expansion is well-documented, QSI’s financial muscle and experience with PSG give them a distinct advantage. Málaga, with its rich footballing history, could be the next piece in QSI’s growing empire, and FSG will have to work hard to ensure they are the ones who secure the deal.

Photo by IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The potential acquisition of Málaga by FSG is an intriguing development. FSG’s multi-club approach has proven successful with Liverpool, and investing in Málaga could provide another valuable asset in their growing portfolio. The possibility of using Málaga as a developmental club, offering players the chance to gain experience in La Liga 2 before making the step up to Liverpool, could create a robust pathway for talent.

However, the competition from QSI is worrying. PSG’s financial resources are virtually unmatched, and their history of successful acquisitions in football gives them a considerable edge. For Liverpool supporters, the hope is that FSG can leverage their expertise and relationships in football to outbid QSI and secure Málaga’s future under their stewardship.

If FSG can successfully acquire Málaga, it would mark a bold step in their strategy to strengthen their football empire. For now, Liverpool fans will be watching with interest as the battle for ownership of Málaga unfolds.