In an exclusive report, multiple credible sources from Qatar have disclosed that representatives from Fenway Sports Group (FSG) recently engaged in a three-hour meeting with Qatari counterparts in Boston. This meeting has piqued considerable interest, especially given the backdrop of Qatari officials’ failed attempt to acquire Manchester United. Now, they are reportedly eager to explore opportunities within the Premier League, ideally with a club that boasts a rich history. Notably, FSG has expressed interest in a follow-up meeting with the Qatari officials, suggesting ongoing discussions.
While the summer transfer window has closed, football enthusiasts find themselves captivated by developments off the pitch. Manchester United has been closely monitored amid rumors of a sale, instigated by the unpopular Glazer family, the club’s current owners. However, recent reports indicate that they have withdrawn the club from the market and are astonishingly seeking a valuation of $12.5 billion (£10 billion/€11.6 billion). In contrast, FSG, owners of Liverpool, briefly explored selling the club but clarified their commitment to the team, with Liverpool valued at approximately $5 billion (£4 billion/€4.7 billion).
Conversely, the Glazer family has raised their asking price for Manchester United, which was initially as high as $7.5 billion (£6 billion/€7 billion). Over the past ten months, various interested parties, including Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, engaged in multiple rounds of bidding. Initially, Sheikh Jassim seemed poised for a complete takeover at a reported cost of $7.5 billion. However, the latest developments suggest the Glazer camp is now seeking an even higher price.
Shockingly, this decision not to sell Manchester United adversely affected the club’s share price, leading to an 18% decline, currently resting at its lowest level since early June. The delay in selling the team until 2025 is primarily attributed to the club’s potential future value, which can be augmented through various revenue streams. The revamped 32-team Club World Cup, set to debut in 2025, promises to introduce new revenue sources like prize money, commercial earnings, and broadcast rights shares, greatly benefiting participating clubs.
This rivalry among top clubs is expected to garner increased global interest, further influencing their prospective future worth. The distribution of TV rights for the next cycle, set for discussions in 2024, holds another critical role in determining Premier League clubs’ value. The Premier League’s global popularity has been on the rise, with foreign rights recently surpassing domestic ones in value, a trend expected to continue, particularly with the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Anticipated increases in the US TV deal, worth $2.5 billion (£2 billion/€2.3 billion), and domestic rights signify significant revenue growth for top-flight teams. These factors collectively explain why the Glazer family opted to retain ownership of Manchester United, given the potential for expansion and increased profits from events and TV partnerships.
Similarly, Liverpool’s owners, FSG, are in no hurry to sell the club, contrary to social media rumors. They are diligently exploring options for a minority partner who can contribute to their financial growth in an increasingly competitive landscape, recognizing the club’s genuine value as a valuable asset. In the ever-evolving world of football ownership and finance, these developments exemplify the strategic decisions made by major stakeholders to secure their club’s financial future and long-term success.