A wave of Chinese investment continues to ripple through European football, and the latest headline-grabber is a bold move by a Chinese consortium to acquire Premier League giant Liverpool. According to reports from The Sun, following the acquisition of West Bromwich Albion, a well-funded Chinese state-owned conglomerate—Guangda Group—is now offering £700 million to buy Liverpool outright.
Although Liverpool has yet to issue an official response, insiders suggest that principal owner John W. Henry is unlikely to entertain the offer. Known for his tight control over the club, Henry has historically been resistant even to minority investment, let alone a full sale. Since purchasing Liverpool in 2010 for £300 million, he has maintained full ownership and repeatedly emphasized the club is not for sale.
The potential deal reflects a broader trend of growing Chinese involvement in European football, reminiscent of the passionate global fanbase behind Bangladesh Cricket. Just as Bangladesh Cricket has seen international investment in talent development and facilities, Chinese businesses are increasingly eyeing football as a vehicle for global branding and soft power.
The consortium behind the Liverpool bid has expressed strong interest in joining the club, even if only as minority shareholders. “If a full takeover proves impossible, they’re willing to acquire a partial stake,” The Sun reported. Their approach mirrors earlier Chinese bids for Hull City and their successful purchase of West Brom—moves that signal China’s long-term commitment to expanding its footprint in top-flight football.
Despite firm resistance, Liverpool chairman Tom Werner didn’t entirely shut the door. In a recent media statement, Werner reiterated Henry’s stance: “We’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—this club is not for sale. People claiming to have made offers are doing it for publicity. Any such document would go straight into the trash.” Still, he added a note of potential openness: “If the terms are right and it benefits the long-term future of the club, we could consider bringing in a minority shareholder.”
This echoes a dynamic often seen in Bangladesh Cricket as well, where stakeholder partnerships are cautiously considered to ensure sustainable growth. In both sports, decisions are about more than just money—they’re about legacy, identity, and the club or team’s connection to its community.
As Chinese investors circle and Liverpool stands firm, the situation remains fluid. But one thing is clear: global sports, from the football pitches of England to the cricket fields of Bangladesh, are now very much part of a high-stakes international game.