Red Bird Capital Partners consider upping stake in Liverpool and could allow FSG to retain ownership

US investment firm Red Bird Capital Partners are considering upping their stake in Liverpool.

It is understood preliminary talks between Red Bird and Liverpool owners FSG have taken place.

The group paid £533million for an 11% stake in FSG in 2021 – giving them an indirect stake in the Anfield club.

Red Bird are now actively exploring whether to increase their investment in a move that could earn FSG £1billion and allow them to retain ownership of Liverpool.

A source close to the firm said: ‘There is a growing feeling that FSG are not interested in selling Liverpool, and are increasingly drawn to the idea of selling another minority stakeholding. A further 20% sale of FSG could generate £1billion.’

Red Bird Capital Partners are considering upping their stake in Liverpool Football Club

It could allow their current owner, John Henry (middle), and FSG to retain their ownership

‘There is growing feeling that FSG are not interested in selling Liverpool’, said one source

FSG are reportedly watching the sale of Man United which could see Liverpool’s price rise

‘FSG are also watching the sale of Manchester United with interest. If United sells for £7billion, then the market value of Liverpool could rise significantly.’

Red Bird have have distanced themselves from owning the club outright, however it is understood they may be receptive to increasing their stake with John Henry’s company, having bought AC Milan and a majority shareholding in Toulouse.

FSG have also held preliminary talks with other interested parties including the Qatar Investment Authority.

It is understood QIA would prefer to buy a controlling stake in Liverpool, while FSG have signalled their preference for the sale of a minority share initially.

Liverpool fan group Spirit of Shankly and Manchester United Supporters Trust joined forces this week to call for the forthcoming Government White Paper on Football to strengthen the rules around who can own and run football clubs in England.

In a joint statement, they said: ‘We welcome the plans for an Independent Regulator tasked with developing stronger rules around football club ownership, but there is a danger it will come too late for the country’s two biggest and most successful clubs.’

But there is concerns amongst fans as to how football clubs are run and owned ahead of the release of a Government White Paper into football club management