Liverpool owner John Henry has issued a new update to end speculations indicating that the Premier League club is for up sale. The The 73-year-old American business man dropped the bombshell to ending any talks of an imminent takeover on Monday but insists that the club's doors are open to welcome new investors.
Three months ago, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), of which John Henry is the founder and principal owner, stated that they would look into the possibility of bringing in investors if their vision aligned with Liverpool. The news was met with excitement within the Liverpool fanbase who have, in recent years, advocated for any form of ownership away. Among the prime concerns of the Anfield faithful was the group's supposed reluctance to properly back managers to achieve sustainable success since acquiring the club in 2010.
Nevertheless, while the Liverpool fans hoped for a buyout and an era under new ownership, it did not take long for the dream to be cut short. Not long after the proclamation by FSG, the club's chairman Tom Werner declare that no deal was expected to be finalised immediately. The news was subsequently received with a pinch of salt, especially as long-term rivals Manchester United are reportedly nearing a change of ownership following the Glazer Family's decision to put the club for sale.
On Monday, supporters of the Merseyside club had any shred of hope left torn apart after John Henry shut the door on an outright sale. Speaking to the Boston Sports Journal, he said: "Yes. I know there has been a lot of conversation and quotes about LFC (Liverpool Football Club), but I keep to the facts: we merely formalized an ongoing process.
"Will we be in England forever? No. Are we selling LFC? No. Are talking with investors about LFC? Yes. Will something happen there? I believe so, but it won't be a sale. Have we sold anything in the past 20+ years?"
While some Liverpool supporters may object to FSG's control over the team, things haven't always been bad for the club under the US owners. The Reds have won the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup, and the Carabao Cup twice while they have been in charge. Throughout that period, the club has also won the Community Shield, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
