Saudi Arabia Prepares Major Takeover Bid for Premier League Giants

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When Fenway Sports Group initially assumed control of Liverpool, the prospect of a takeover bid from Saudi Arabia would likely have been unexpected. However, recent reports suggest that such a bid could be forthcoming.

With Liverpool currently on a record-breaking run under Arne Slot and sitting at the top of the Premier League, the club has become an increasingly attractive investment proposition for Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

According to Statista, Liverpool’s enterprise value is estimated at €4.2 billion, though any group aiming to secure ownership of the club would likely need to exceed that valuation considerably. Given that PIF reportedly controls assets worth approximately $925 billion, acquiring Liverpool would represent a feasible investment for the fund.

The Independent also notes that PIF has expressed interest in Chelsea as a potential acquisition target. However, a controlling investment in either Liverpool or Chelsea would require PIF to relinquish its current stake in Newcastle United, in line with Premier League ownership rules.

It’s understood that while Newcastle’s acquisition has not yet achieved the level of on-pitch success that PIF might have anticipated, owning one of England’s top clubs—such as Liverpool or Chelsea—could bring broader prestige and regional influence. This aligns well with PIF’s strategy to strengthen its global profile through high-profile investments in sport.

For Chelsea, a purchase would involve negotiations with existing stakeholders Behdad Eghbali, Todd Boehly, and Clearlake Capital, who are unlikely to be easily swayed in ownership discussions. Given Liverpool’s long-standing history and ambitious future, it’s plausible that PIF views the Merseyside club as a more achievable and strategically aligned acquisition at this time.

Though it’s unclear whether this news could influence player decisions, such as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s potential move to Real Madrid, PIF’s entry could certainly prompt players to reconsider their futures in light of Liverpool’s potential new direction.