Report: Two parties drop out of the race to purchase Liverpool

Jim Ratcliffe’s consortium and the Ricketts family unlikely to succeed FSG as Liverpool owners

According to The Liverpool Echo, two potential parties, namely Jim Ratcliffe and the Ricketts family are out of the running to take over from FSG as the custodians at Liverpool.

John W Henry and co shocked the football world when they put the Reds up for sale earlier in the month. The American led the consortium that took over at Anfield from countrymen Gillet and Hicks in 2010.

Since then, Liverpool have evolved both on and off the pitch, especially under manager Jurgen Klopp. The club have won all trophies under the sun while also building up its commercial image. While they could have done more, it would be foolhardy to dismiss their hand in rebuilding a sleeping giant.

It would appear that 12 years on, they are ready to cash in. As one of football’s most illustrious names, there should be no shortage of interest in those keen to take over on Merseyside.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, England’s richest man has now ruled himself out of the running. The 70-year-old already owns OGC Nice and FC Lausanne-Spor in France and Switzerland respectively.

According to The Telegraph, he is committed to helping the former compete with Paris Saint-Germain and does not appear keen to take on a new challenge. Ratcliffe was earlier linked with moves for Manchester United and Chelsea but Liverpool does not appear to be on his agenda.

The Ricketts Family, the owners of the NFL side Chicago Bulls have also ruled themselves out of the running. Tom and Laura Ricketts had earlier shown interest in purchasing Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

A spokesman revealed the family’s intentions and confirmed that they will not be making a bid for the Reds. It is fair to say that this lowers the names on the list of potential buyers.

Some of the other names still in the fray include that of Stephen Pagliuca, Dubai Investment Capital and A consortium involving former stand-in Reds’ chairman Sir Martin Broughton. While it is unlikely that there aren’t more names in the fray, it is imperative that FSG sell to a buyer who understands the ethos of the club.

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• Conor McGregor publicly admits that he would love to buy Liverpool from FSG

The American consortium’s tenure at Anfield has been one of relative calm and stability behind the scenes. Sacrificing sure footing for financial gains is never sustainable and the club should plan for more than making a quick buck.