Liverpool owner FSG in talks over 'staged takeover' of La Liga club despite president's claim they are 'not for sale'

Liverpool owner FSG is keen to acquire Getafe and is planning a "staged takeover" of the Spanish club, according to The Athletic. Getafe's president Angel Torres defiantly insisted his club was not for sale earlier this month, amid talk of interest from FSG, but that does not appear to have put off John Henry and Co.

FSG is aiming to build a multi-club group around Liverpool and has previously been credited with interest in French side Bordeaux and Malaga. Getafe now appears to be firmly in FSG's sights amid speculation that Torres has dropped his valuation of the club from £160 million ($210m) to £100m ($135m).

Liverpool's chief executive of football, Michael Edwards, announced his intentions to build a multi-club portfolio after his appointment in 2024. He said in a statement: "One of the biggest factors in my decision is the commitment to acquire and oversee an additional club…I believe that to remain competitive, investment and expansion of the current football portfolio is necessary."

Any acquisition by Liverpool's owner may take some time. Torres is in no rush to sell and wants to fulfil a promise to renovate Getafe’s stadium, which may take until 2028 to complete. He has said previously: "I've given my word to my family. The day the construction is finished and the stadium is inaugurated, I'll leave. I'll try to find a replacement first so I can leave it in good hands. I'm not going to leave it to just anyone; it's going to be difficult."