The situation surrounding potential buyouts or minority investments at Manchester United and Liverpool.
There are some insight into the current Man Utd rumors and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s possible offer to buy the club, with the English billionaire also declaring a belated interest in Chelsea last year, but in a move seen as a sort of PR exercise.
It may therefore be worth not reading too much about Ratcliffe’s interest at this point, as things are likely to become clearer in February.
“With United, it’s still very early in the process – February should be a key month for bidders to formally pitch their starting positions,” Jacobs said.
What we are seeing now are groups showing interest and acting with due diligence, reviewing important documentation so we are not left in the dark. Around February, we should start seeing some solid initial offers, and then the Glazers should be more directly involved. You would expect it to narrow down to around three or four bidders who can then refine their bids. If everything is running at full speed, there is a very real chance that the sales process can be completed in April.
“We have to be very careful with candidates. Interest is high but the first formal bidder to announce he is in is Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a childhood Manchester United fan. What’s intriguing about this is that Ratcliffe approached the Glazers last year, but they weren’t willing to sell at the time. We will now see if he matches the Glazers assessment and it will be interesting to see how he balances control of Manchester United and Nice.
“Ratcliffe obviously made a last minute offer for Chelsea, which wasn’t received very well as he was off trial. Things were already well underway with Todd Boehly, so it was more like a public exercise. So we have to be very careful with Ratcliffe because he’s used the media to express his interest before, so we’ll have to wait a few more weeks to see how believable he is – the ones who shout the loudest aren’t necessarily the most believable.”
United fans are hoping the unpopular Glazer family can be sent on the road as soon as possible, although Jacobs added the situation at Liverpool could be easier as FSG is unlikely to sell the club outright.
This could mean it’s easier to find a wider variety of potential investors, without the same feeling of a tight deadline. “With Liverpool, FSG sources suggest they are looking at a minority deal, which could mean more suitors and a slightly less rigid process. It wouldn’t be as urgent as the Glazers to do it before a certain date. The FSG is 100% behind the club and will review its options.
“There is a lot of noise around Liverpool and Qatar, but I am told by my sources that the interest is either pure rumor or extremely formative. QSI, the owners of Paris Saint-Germain, have not had talks with Liverpool or Manchester United. QIA, who are not related to QSI, some say they are interested, but again I’ve been told there hasn’t been any significant meeting and they certainly haven’t made any offers.
“Nasser Al-Khelaifi could still play a key role, even if he will not represent the QSI directly, he will be well aware of what is going on, but at the moment he has no contact with Liverpool. He will also be rejected at the end of the FSG.
“Saudi Arabia could be someone to watch again for minority investment, and one name in particular is worth mentioning – Mohammed El Khereiji. He made a bid for Chelsea, so he knows this process. Al Nassr: For now though, it’s worth reiterating that there’s nothing concrete in the situation in Liverpool since the FSG’s statement, not much has changed.”
Also…
Jude Bellingham’s side had been talking to both Real Madrid and Liverpool.
The Borussia Dortmund star is one of the most wanted players in Europe.
Bellingham, 19, is under contract with the Bundesliga club until 2025.But he will probably go in the summer.
The ex-Birmingham City star is being pursued by Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
Still, it’s Liverpool and Real Madrid who are leading the way and doing everything behind close door to aquire Jude Bellinham. The latter are reportedly in talks with Bellingham’s team over a transfer.
But they have now been warned that talks are also underway with Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.
Former player and football insider Jan Aage Fjortoft tweeted: “Re: Jude Bellingham
“I heard Team Bellingham told Real Madrid that they are also in talks with Liverpool.
“‘No favourites’ at the moment. As they are evaluating their options at this stage.”
Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti previously distanced his side from a move to Bellingham. He said: “Bellingham showed at the World Cup that he’s a great midfielder, but so did others.”Enzo Fernandez played very well. Gavi and Pedri too.”Bellingham is one of those great midfielders, but I’ll stick with the ones we have.”
The Dortmund star has not played a competitive match since England’s World Cup quarter-final defeat by France.
Bundesliga action finally resumes this weekend, with Dortmund hosting Augsburg on Sunday. “I have heard the Bellingham team tell Real Madrid they are also in talks with Liverpool. No favorites at the moment. As they assess their options at this stage,” the Norwegian wrote.
This could be seen as both a positive and negative update for Liverpool. You can see that talks have started with the Reds about a move, which is of course positive. But it’s the same for Madrid. We’d rather you talk to us, Jew! You can’t have it all I guess.