Elon Musk's Liverpool Intrigue: Manchester United Fans Brace for Betrayal?
Thursday, Jan 9, 2025 4:12 pm ET
2min read
MANU --
Elon Musk's father, Errol, has sparked a frenzy among Liverpool fans and Manchester United supporters alike, hinting at his son's interest in acquiring the Merseyside club. But could the world's richest man bypass his childhood favorite, Manchester United, for LeBron James' team?
Errol Musk's comments on Times Radio have sent shockwaves through the football world, with the billionaire's father revealing that Elon would be interested in buying Liverpool. "Oh, yes. But that doesn't mean he's buying it. He would like to, yes, obviously, anybody would want to. So would I," Errol said, adding that the family has relatives in Liverpool and that Elon's grandmother was born there.
However, Manchester United fans may be feeling a sense of betrayal, as Elon Musk has previously expressed his support for the Red Devils. In August 2022, he tweeted, "Also, I'm buying Manchester United, ur welcome." Although he later clarified that he was joking, the comment highlighted his affinity for the club.
But with Liverpool currently leading the Premier League and Champions League, and Manchester United struggling in 13th place, the allure of the Merseyside club may be too strong for Elon to resist. Moreover, with LeBron James already owning a stake in Liverpool through his partnership with Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the potential for a powerhouse collaboration could be too tempting for the billionaire to ignore.
However, Liverpool's owners, FSG, have not indicated any interest in selling the club, and Liverpool is not currently for sale. In February 2023, Liverpool's principal owner, John W Henry, downplayed any talks of selling the club, stating, "Will we be in England forever? No. Are we selling LFC? Have we sold anything in the past 20+ years?"
Nevertheless, Elon Musk's interest in Liverpool could have significant implications for the broader soccer industry and its stakeholders. His involvement could boost media attention and interest in the team and the English Premier League, potentially benefiting media rights holders like Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) and Paramount Global (PARAPARAA). Additionally, Musk's high profile and controversial nature could attract more global attention to the team and the league, potentially increasing viewership and engagement.
Moreover, Musk's ownership of Liverpool could reignite discussions about the European Super League (ESL), an idea that was met with significant backlash when proposed in 2021. Musk has the financial resources and influence to push for a new iteration of the ESL, which could potentially increase revenue opportunities for top European soccer teams.
However, Musk's potential ownership of Liverpool could also lead to backlash from fans and stakeholders who are opposed to his controversial views or concerned about the potential impact on the club's identity and culture. This could result in protests, boycotts, or other forms of resistance from fans and stakeholders who feel that Musk's ownership is not in the best interests of the club or the broader soccer community.
In conclusion, Elon Musk's potential interest in Liverpool FC could have significant implications for the broader soccer industry and its stakeholders, including increased media attention, potential revitalization of the Super League idea, potential impact on the transfer market and player salaries, potential influence on soccer governance and regulations, and potential backlash from fans and stakeholders. However, it is important to note that these implications are speculative and may not come to fruition if Musk ultimately decides not to pursue ownership of the club. As the world's richest man, Elon Musk has the power to shape the future of Liverpool FC and the broader soccer industry, but only time will tell if he chooses to exercise that power.