Keith Wyness 'very clear' over FSG exit plan after latest Liverpool deal
FSG's decision to sell 38 per cent of Liverpool to a consortium backed by Jeff Bezos should be viewed as a clear sign of their intention to gradually step away from the club.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the current ownership have "dressed up" the investment deal to shroud the fact that they are planning to sell in full.
FSG have publically suggested that the deal is not part of a long-term plan for them to step away, although the new 1892 Holdings investors hold a clause that gives them the option to buy a controlling stake in the club within the next 12 months.
Wyness believes that a clause of that nature simply would not have been included as part of the deal if FSG didn't have one eye on pulling out at Anfield.
1892 Holdings are led by Amit Bhatia, who previously served as owner and director at QPR over a period spanning several years.
Wyness believes that Bhatia is intended to provide the footballing expertise behind the new investment group, and could be a suitable man to take charge long-term.
FSG line up 'structured exit'
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that FSG are lining up a "structured exit" at Liverpool, despite denying that in recent days.
He believes that the 12-month takeover clause allows 1892 Holdings to get their feet under the table and learn the ropes, before they eventually take control in full.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, he explained why that is likely to be FSG's true plan behind the scenes.
"I'm very clear it is (FSG pulling away). I don't think in a deal like this, you'd have given an option to take control unless you really meant for that to happen," Wyness said.
"You weren't really looking just for a minority investor, were you? Discussions have been going on a long time. They've been getting to know each other.
"It's fairly clear to me that this is really a structured exit dressed up as an investment right now. Fenway have done really well on this. It's probably the best football investment of all time, and I think they'll be happy to finish and get out of it and have that record.
"I think this is very clearly FSG saying we think we've taken it as far as we can. It gives time for the new group to look around, get their feet under the table, see what they think is wrong or right within the structure, see how the new manager goes and look at the squad.
"Amit Bhatia is supposedly the football expert on this group. I believe he's a smart enough young guy, but obviously QPR was a very tough thing to measure him by."
Liverpool learn Real Madrid's Endrick stance
Football Insider revealed last weekend that Liverpool will find it extremely difficult to sign Real Madrid starlet Endrick this summer.
The Reds have identified the Brazilian as a top target in a bid to strengthen their attack, but are set to be met by resistance from the Spanish capital.
Madrid are not prepared to consider selling the 20-year-old right now, with Jose Mourinho viewing him as a key figure in his squad.
Endrick's progress has stalled a little in recent years, but he is still seen as the future of the club by the Real Madrid hierarchy.