Liu Yiqian Liverpool takeover bid ignored by FSG

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have reportedly ignored a takeover attempt from Chinese billionaire Liu Yiqian.

It is claimed that the club’s American owners haven’t given consideration to an unsolicited offer from the controversial 52-year-old art collector who isn’t afraid of splashing the cash.

The former Shanghai taxi driver once shelled out £21million for a 15th-century Ming Dynasty ceramic bowl and was then pictured drinking tea from it which raised eyebrows in the art world. In another stunt he stripped down to his underpants and sat cross-legged to emulate a bronze statuette after paying £3million for it. He also famously paid £113million for the ‘Reclining Nude’, a painting by Amedeo Modigliani, on his American Express card.

In his homeland some see him as a Chinese Hillbilly for his reputation of turning up to work dressed in a T-shirt and leather jacket while others see him as a true rags to riches story having become China’s 47th richest man. He dropped out of high school to help his mother sell handbags on her Shanghai market stall. Over time he saved up and bought himself a taxi but he didn’t make his billions by ferrying around tourists. He built his fortune by investing in stock trading, real estate and pharmaceuticals.

While many in the art world poke fun at him for his scruffy style, he insists he couldn’t care less what they think about him and says he buys up art for his museums so that ordinary art lovers don’t have to leave the country to see such work. His eccentric attitude is basically a “f*** you” to his detractors.

Liu, chairman of Sunline Group, describes his family as his most valuable asset but Liverpool Football Club would become another valuable asset if he could broker a deal with FSG.  The official line of course is that John Henry and co. aren’t willing to sell despite also having received interest in the club from the UAE and Qatar.

KOPTALK sources have always maintained that FSG would improve the stadium (they went on to expand the main stand) and appoint a World Class manager (many would consider this to be Jürgen Klopp) with the aim of becoming a Champions League club again (don’t confuse that with CL qualification but ongoing membership i.e. qualifying on a frequent basis).

The owners are not presently actively looking to sell the club. However, we believe that opinion within FSG is split as to when the best time would be to exit although there is no suggestion of any internal disputes between partners.

Meanwhile, KOPTALK sources are reporting that an agreement between Liverpool and Crystal Palace for striker Christian Benteke is close.

More Liverpool FC and FSG news, insight and opinion can be found on our members’ website. Membership includes a FREE DKB.TV membership worth £24.