Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the American owners of Liverpool, have reportedly abandoned their pursuit of a takeover of La Liga club Getafe. The decision comes after concerns over La Liga's salary cap regulations and the age profile of Getafe's squad, according to Spanish outlet Marca.
FSG, led by principal owner John W. Henry, had been in talks with Getafe president Angel Torres over a deal valued at more than £100 million. The club was reported to have a valuation of around £160 million. However, FSG have now dropped their interest, citing two specific issues.
The first concern is La Liga's strict salary limit rules, which would restrict FSG's ability to invest heavily in squad improvements in the short term. The second relates to the age of Getafe's current squad, which averages 28.2 years according to Transfermarkt. FSG reportedly aim to buy a club where they can develop young players, either to sell for profit or use as a stepping stone to Liverpool.
FSG have owned Liverpool since October 2010, overseeing a period of significant success including two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. The group had been looking to expand their football portfolio, with Spain identified as a target market. It remains to be seen which club FSG will target next.
