Liverpool fans have expressed their displeasure with FSG ownership after a season of regression in the Premier League. The lack of investment from FSG is being blamed for Liverpool’s current situation, and fans were hopeful for a sale of the club in November, but no suitable offers came in. FSG is now looking for a minority stake partner to help grow the club.
A vocal minority of Liverpool fans have long been against FSG’s leadership, and there is a fear of getting left behind. #FSGOut trends on social media after every setback, blaming FSG for not backing Klopp sufficiently in the transfer market. However, there is a disconnect between social media and real life, as protest marches are not well-attended and not much notice is taken of banners criticizing the ownership. There are nuances to the situation, and not everyone in the ground is in favor of #FSGOut, although many would prefer owners with deep pockets to provide the best players possible.
Liverpool FC fans mobilized against planned hefty ticket price increases in 2016, and FSG performed a U-turn. SOS (Spirit of Shankly) stands accused of going easy on FSG despite being vehement in their opposition to FSG’s attempts to trademark the word “Liverpool,” the use of the government furlough scheme during the pandemic, and Henry’s ill-judged support for the doomed European Super League. SOS secured legally-binding fan representation at boardroom level with the launch of the supporters’ board. The supporters’ board branded the modest two per cent increase in ticket prices for 2023-24 as “cruel, unjust, unreasonable and unfair.” SOS officials subsequently received a torrent of abuse online after releasing a joint statement with Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) in January, calling on the government to strengthen the rules about who can own and run clubs to stop them falling into “improper hands.”
FSG has transformed Liverpool on and off the field since the £300 million takeover in October 2010, with a first Champions League triumph since 2005, the end of the club’s painful 30-year wait for the domestic title, a first Club World Cup crown, last season’s domestic cup double, and appearances in three of the past five Champions League finals. FSG invests wisely in the transfer market and expects Liverpool to live within their means. Liverpool FC fans are frustrated with the club’s lack of investment in the squad, especially when they see other clubs spend more. This season has exposed the folly of failing to strengthen the midfield department last summer. Liverpool didn’t pursue an alternative target after missing out on Aurelien Tchouameni, who left Monaco for Real Madrid.
Liverpool needs to revamp their squad and may need to be canny in the transfer market. Cash in on midfield anchor Fabinho, who had an indifferent season in terms of form, to get a sizeable fee and secure a long-term replacement. Selling Fabinho (with a valuation of $55m) could be a good move, replacing him with a younger, cheaper option. Sofyan Amrabat of Fiorentina (valued at $27m) is a potential candidate to replace Fabinho and has links with Liverpool and Tottenham. Amrabat has been operating at a high level this season and showed a pass completion rating of 87% success rate, 33 recoveries and 6 interceptions in the World Cup. Amrabat is in the top eight percent of players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues for completed passes and the top 12 percent for progressive passes. Klopp may have more pressing concerns this summer such as replacing outgoing midfielders James Milner, Naby Keïta, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Arthur Melo. Whatever decision Klopp makes, it would not be a complete surprise to see him back Fabinho to return to his best on a consistent basis.
Liverpool is back in competitive action after a long break since their Champions League defeat against Real Madrid. The upcoming game against Manchester City is crucial for both teams as they cannot afford to lose. Liverpool.com has selected two articles to get readers in the mood for the Manchester City game. Liverpool has made a formal offer for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham as they take the first step in the race to sign him. Liverpool may sign Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka, who is due to leave the German side at the end of the season, as a free agent.
In conclusion, Liverpool fans are unhappy with FSG ownership and expressing their opposition. While there is dissension among supporters, it remains unclear if any change will come about from their vocal protests. Liverpool needs to revamp their squad ahead of next season, with various transfer options under consideration by Jurgen Klopp. The upcoming match against Manchester City could prove pivotal for both teams in the Premier League.
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