Former Liverpool chairman Sir Martin Broughton has claimed that FSG will make sure they sell the club to the right kind of people.
Broughton had previously been thought of as a possible candidate to take over the club himself. However, that now appears to be a near-impossible scenario.
However, that hasn’t stopped the 75-year-old from talking about all things to do with the takeover. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Broughton has been discussing the future FSG see for Liverpool beyond their control of the club.
“I would be astonished if they weren’t concerned about the legacy they leave. I don’t think they are people who will walk away [having sold] to the highest bidder, walking away thinking: ‘Well we got a great price, what a good deal, let’s move on’. I think their heart is in Liverpool now,” he said.
“And, yes, it might make sense to exit at some stage, whether that is now or in 10 years’ time, everybody exits at some stage. But I think it is important to them that they are custodians and that role is passed to the right people.
“I think they will be looking for somebody who is thinking long-term, yes. I don’t think they will be looking for someone who is going to spend ‘silly money.'”
FSG still looking out for Liverpool
As someone who has a personal relationship with FSG themselves, this is encouraging to hear. Of course, some fans may feel the opposite, and they’re entitled to that view.
But in reality, no one should want to see Liverpool become another Manchester City or Newcastle. FSG have worked to build an image of sustainability and sensibility at Anfield. It would be good to see that continued in the future.
That isn’t to say that we want another FSG through the door, though. There is definitely a happy medium to be found between spending ‘silly money’ and what the owners are currently doing.
They have spent big over years in isolated incidents, but by and large John Henry and co have been a little too frugal.
Right now, there’s the promise of Newcastle spending more money and Chelsea going simply berserk. In that environment, Liverpool could quickly be left behind.
As a result, it’s important to find someone who’ll back Jurgen Klopp in the transfer market. There are other things to consider when owning a football club. Funds in the transfer market is only one way of measuring success. Some of the other ways are less tangible. Thankfully, it appears that FSG will be considering all of these when assessing potential buyers. With a club such as Liverpool, that’s the right thing to do.