Conor McGregor expresses interest in buying Liverpool

Conor McGregor has revealed that he would be interested in buying Liverpool from Fenway Sports Group.

The American company released a statement on Monday confirming that they "would consider new shareholders" following a report claiming that the club is up for sale.

A statement to The Athletic read: "There have been a number of recent changes of ownership and rumours of changes in ownership at EPL clubs and inevitably we are asked regularly about Fenway Sports Group's ownership in Liverpool.

"FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders in Liverpool. FSG has said before that under the right terms and conditions we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club.

"FSG remains fully committed to the success of Liverpool, both on and off the pitch."

Liverpool's hierarchy are understood to have US investment banks Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley assisting with the process of selling the club, and it remains to be seen whether the Reds will receive any offers.

I WOULD LOVE IT! I requested my information on this, yes. Soon as I heard. What a turn of events! What a club! @LFC https://t.co/HD0ELlhKOH

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 8, 2022

UFC star McGregor, a known Manchester United supporter, has emerged as a surprise candidate to become Liverpool's next owner, with the Irishman revealing on Twitter that he would be interested in buying the club.

Responding to a fan pleading for him to buy Liverpool, McGregor said: "I WOULD LOVE IT! I requested my information on this, yes. Soon as I heard. What a turn of events! What a club!"

The 34-year-old, a two division UFC world champion who has a reported net worth of around £173m, revealed in 2019 his support for Liverpool's bitter rivals Man United.

Speaking during a FIFA Q&A, McGregor said: "I was more a player than a watcher back then, but Manchester United was my team.

"It was only the other day I came across an old picture of myself wearing that infamous grey United jersey, which I bought with my [First Holy] Communion money at eight years of age. I see my son when I look at that photo. I'd love to know where it is now. A truly 'Notorious' football jersey!

"I was attracted to the success and winning mentality of the club and people surrounded by United. Irish legends like Denis Irwin and Roy Keane were dedicated to their craft and had that winning mentality. Roy Keane was one of the best midfielders European football has ever seen. Opponents would be mentally beaten before they'd even stepped on to the pitch to face him."

© Reuters

However, McGregor did suggest prior to Liverpool's Champions League final clash with eventual winners Real Madrid in May that he is also a supporter of both Jurgen Klopp's side and the Spanish giants.

"You know, my family are Liverpool, I'm a supporter of Liverpool," McGregor said before kickoff via the Daily Mirror. "I'm a supporter of Real Madrid also. I hope for a great game but I'll have to go with the pool [Liverpool] for this one, I'll have to go for the pool."

Should McGregor decide to table a bid to buy Liverpool, the Irishman will allegedly have to fork out £4bn to persuade FSG founder John W Henry to sell the club.

McGregor may face competition from the Ricketts family, who own America Baseball team Chicago Cubs, while British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has ruled himself out of the running to purchase the Merseysiders.

Liverpool, who have won eight trophies since FSG took over the club in 2010, currently sit eighth in the Premier League table, 15 points behind league leaders Arsenal.