FSG 'holds talks' to buy second soccer team managed by former Liverpool player

Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the Liverpool owner, could be looking to France as it looks to expand its soccer portfolio. Local outlet France Bleu reports that FSG is "very serious" about acquiring Ligue 2 outfit Bordeaux.

Earlier today, the outlet suggested that "exclusive discussions" have been held between FSG and the French side about a deal. Three representatives from Boston, it says, have traveled to France to meet with the DNCG — the "financial policeman of French football" — in order to ratify any prospective deal. John W Henry and Julian Ward have supposedly been involved in exploring a move.

While there is "no binding offer" from FSG yet, it is said that "negotiations are continuing on the financial front". An initial investment of $45m (£35m/€42m) is required to ensure that Bordeaux can participate in Ligue 2 for 2024/25. This comes with the club under threat of demotion to the third tier of French football due to long-standing debt.

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Current Bordeaux president Gerard Lopez would remain involved with the club, it is said, with "a more or less operational function". He refused to sell Bordeaux to Chelsea owner Todd Boehly last summer because he didn't want the French side to become a feeder club but the idea would be that this would be a different arrangement.

Former Liverpool winger Albert Riera is currently in charge of the club as head coach. The six-time French champion was relegated from the top flight two years ago after a series of shambolic performances in a toxic atmosphere. Even had it stayed up at the time, its finances would have been a concern, but that was exacerbated even further when it went down to the second tier.

Liverpool.com says: There will be mixed feelings among Liverpool fans about the multi-club model but it was a key reason for Michael Edwards coming back into the fold. He is set to oversee the expansion of FSG's soccer portfolio. While there are legitimate reasons not to like the trend towards such a model, there are ways in which it can be done sensitively.

Chelsea's takeover of Strasbourg has caused all sorts of anger in France but that is because it is essentially seen as a feeder club. Shared resources and a place to send young talents, though, can work out positively in some examples. GO DEEPER: Why FSG is moving to the multi-club model.