Liverpool owners FSG in talks to take over Spanish club

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Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group are currently in talks with the president of top-tier Spanish club Getafe over what is projected as a staged takeover.FSG have been exploring the possibilities with regards purchasing at least one more football club for over a year, which has led them to assess a number of markets.Following a failed bid for struggling French side Bordeaux last summer, the American owners have turned their focus to Spain.That has seen FSG open talks with Angel Torres, owner and president of LaLiga side Getafe, over a staged takeover which could be worth £100 million.The Athletic reports that this comes with Torres, the 73-year-old who has owned the club since 2002, eager to oversee the completion of his new stadium project by 2028.“I’ve given my word to my family. The day the construction is finished and the stadium is inaugurated, I’ll leave,” the Spanish businessman said of the project.“I’ll try to find a replacement first so I can leave it in good hands. I’m not going to leave it to just anyone; it’s going to be difficult.”FSG could potentially stagger their investment, first as minority shareholders before eventually taking over ownership, to match with Torres’ long-term plans.Liverpool’s owners were first reported to be exploring the purchase of Getafe last month, with Spanish newspaper MARCA revealing their interest following the breakdown of a move to take over Segunda Division side Malaga.Levante, Elche, Espanyol and Real Valladolid have also been analysed for their suitability as part of FSG’s plans for a multi-club setup.A number of factors will be considered, including the structure already in place at any club, its scope for expansion and its suitability as a sister-club of sorts to Liverpool.In an assessment of the landscape for TBR Football last month, journalist Adam Williams claimed that Levante would be seen as FSG’s third choice behind Malaga and Getafe.Williams even suggested that a deal in principle had already been reached with Getafe president Torres, which is not out of the realms of possibility – albeit with takeover negotiations not exactly comparable to the transfer of a player. While any purchase of another club, or even more, would not directly impact Liverpool it could certainly be seen as a bonus as FSG could feasibly sign players to be tested at, for example, Getafe before making the step up to Anfield.It could also prove useful in signing overseas talents under the age of 18 – no longer permitted in the Premier League – or those not currently eligible for a UK work permit.Liverpool have held informal partnerships with a number of clubs over the years, but never as part of a modern multi-club model under the same ownership.Getafe finished 13th in last season’s Spanish top flight and are managed by Jose Bordalas.