© EuroFootball.com
Legendary English club finally has new owners. After long negotiations, the club announced that it is being taken over by American businessmen - 68-year-old George Gillett and 60-year-old Tom Hicks, owners of NHL hockey teams "Montreal Canadiens" and "Dallas Stars".
About a week after the Liverpool team stopped negotiations with the Dubai consortium DIC, an enticing offer was made by G. Gillett, who had already been interested in the club before, with the help of T. Hicks.
The new Liverpool owners will pay £174.1 million (€251.5 million) for the club, cover £44.8 million (€67.2 million) in debts, and have committed to investing over £200 million (over €300 million) in the construction of a new stadium.
"This is a great step forward for the club's owners and fans," said former largest Liverpool shareholder David Moores, who was offered an honorary president position. "This club is my passion, occupying a large part of my life. After thorough and careful analysis, I decided to sell my shares, which will help attract more investment in stadium construction and strengthening the squad. I urge other shareholders to do the same, and I believe that this decision will help Liverpool thrive."
Club Chief Executive Rick Parry echoed D. Moores and also welcomed the new investors: "Fantastic news for the team, fans, and shareholders - the beginning of a new era for Liverpool. We know that T. Hicks and G. Gillett are here for the long term, and they both understand the importance of investments."
Liverpool has become the third club in the English Premier League where the owners are Americans: Man Utd is owned by Malcolm Glazer, and Aston Villa is owned by Randy Lerner.
In an official statement by George Gillett and Tom Hicks, it is stated: "Liverpool is a fantastic club with a great history and passionate fans. The Hicks and Gillett families are extremely excited about the club's traditions. We will ask David Moores and Rick Parry to stay in the club, as we believe that stability and consistency are the keys to the future and success."
Liverpool has been crowned English champions a staggering 18 times, but the last time was in 1990. It is believed that this was one of the main reasons why D. Moores decided to give way to wealthier investors.
In addition, the "Reds" have also won the European Champions Cup 5 times, as well as 3 UEFA and 7 English FA Cups.
In this season, Liverpool currently sits in 3rd place in the English Premier League, has completed appearances in the FA and League Cup competitions, and in two weeks will continue their Champions League journey with the quarter-finals against Barcelona.
