Why Liverpool are in desperate NEED of an FSG multi-club model

FSG’s search for a second football club has so far been an unproductive one.

Michael Edwards was promised a multi-club model when he returned to Merseyside just over a year ago, but so far FSG have failed to deliver.

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Edwards’ plan could soon come into fruition however as FSG are interested in purchasing Spanish second division side Malaga CF, according to The Athletic.

A deal for Bordeaux fell through in 2024, but FSG may now have found the second club they need to finally launch their multi-club model.

Multi-club models are a controversial topic in world football, but this may be the only way for Liverpool to maintain their success.

The benefits of a multi-club model

Red Bull, City Football Group and BlueCo are three of the most relevant examples of the multi-club model in global football.

Red Bull, who’s global soccer operations are now headed by Anfield icon Jurgen Klopp, are the majority owners of six clubs from around the globe and also hold minority stakes in Leeds United and Paris FC.

The City Football Group are involved in over 10 clubs globally, with Manchester City being the jewel in the crown.

BlueCo are the most recent example of a multi-club model and own both Chelsea and Strasbourg. As FSG would also only own two clubs, BlueCo are the most similar group to FSG’s potential new venture.

Being a member of a multi-club model comes with many benefits including improved youth development, global scouting networks, transfer benefits and expanded global revenue.

The groups are controversial however as there is usually a clear hierarchy, with clubs further down the pyramid often forced to make sacrifices at the benefit of those higher up.

Why a multi-club model would benefit Liverpool

As well as providing the Reds access to Malaga’s academy, which has produced a number of top talents, Liverpool would also get a right of first refusal on any of Malaga’s promising first-team players – including Antonito Cordero.

This relationship obviously works both ways and Malaga would benefit from access to Liverpool’s wealth of youth prospects, who could be loaned to the Spanish side in order to develop in a system similar to what is in place in Merseyside.

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Michael Edwards is FSG’s CEO of football, and therefore would have control over Malaga, being able to hire his desired coaching staff and instil a culture and system that mirrors Liverpool’s.

This in itself is controversial as many fans of Malaga will not want their club's culture to be replaced, but this doesn’t necessarily mean erasing the history of the club to become Liverpool’s B team.

The multi-club model would allow Malaga to grow, both financially and on the pitch – and FSG would want their second club to be just as successful as their first.

Why Edwards and Liverpool need a multi-club model

During his first stint at the club, Edwards was known for being able to maximise incoming transfer fees for players who were on the periphery on the first team.

Notable examples include Rhian Brewster, who was sold to Sheffield United for €26m, Dominic Solanke, who joined Bournemouth for €21.2m, and Neco Williams, who was sold to Nottingham Forest for €20m.

Although none of these sales were for astronomical fees, they aided the Reds’ ability to spend, and such fees were only attainable because these plays has featured several times for Klopp’s first team.

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Since taking the reigns at Anfield, Arne Slot has preferred to use a smaller squad with players on the fringe such as Tyler Morton and Harvey Elliott receiving barely any minutes.

Whilst this has proved to be a successful method on the pitch, it will limit Edwards’ ability to move fringe players on for decent fees and therefore hinder the club’s ability to do business they way they have become accustomed to.

Multi-club model would allow Edwards to flourish

If the players that have barely featured for the Reds this season had been able to go and play regular first team football for a sister club, Edwards would once again be able to move them on for significant fees to help bolster the transfer kitty.

Andrey Santos, who is on loan at Strasbourg from Chelsea, is the perfect example of this. Since joining BlueCo’s second club on loan, the Brazilian’s transfer value has risen from €4.6m to €27.1m according to Football Transfers.

In the future, fringe players who aren’t fancied by Slot could be moved to Malaga where they can develop and boost their market value before being moved on by Edwards.

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If Michael Edwards wants to resume business as usual at Liverpool, a multi-club model is a must – unless Arne Slot is open to being more generous with minutes for players on the periphery.