The global pandemic is taking its toll on football clubs across the globe, which even includes two of the biggest in the world – Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Europe’s biggest clubs attempted to resolve their financial decline by setting up a European Super League (ESL), but following an incredible amount of bad press it dissolved within 48 hours.
Six Premier League clubs were among the short-lived ESL, including Manchester United and Liverpool. The aim of the league was to generate further revenue for the big clubs, but now they are expected to face several financial hits down the road, according to lawyers.
The aftermath included Ed Woodward leaving his role as executive vice-chairman of the Red Devils, and rumours immediately followed that the club could be sold.
Owned by the Glazers, something that has never gone down well with United fans, the American businessman were reportedly keen on a Super League that would allow them to put further millions in their pocket.
Liverpool also have American owners, the Fenway Sports Group, who have used the massive club for their personal financial interest.
With the ESL seemingly not on the cards for the foreseeable future, could this lead to either of the two English football giants being sold?
There is certainly a good chance that either or both United and Liverpool could be sold as a result. Liverpool’s value has risen in recent years with Jurgen Klopp guiding them to glory in both the Premier League and Champions League.
However, the Merseyside club could be hit financially should they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Klopp’s side are currently down in sixth place in the Premier League table, four points behind Chelsea in fourth with only five games to play.
Bookmakers don’t hold high hopes on the Reds finishing in the top four either with their long odds on the Coral betting app among others.
Another team looking unlikely to qualify for next season’s elite European club cup competition is Tottenham Hotspur. The north London club are currently one point below Liverpool and with 29-year-old Ryan Mason in the interim managerial role.
Spurs recently fired Jose Mourinho, with the Portuguese coach being dismissed within 24 hours of the ESL being announced. It came less than a week before the Carabao Cup final too, which turned out to be Mason’s second-ever game as a manager.
Could Spurs be sold? It’s very unlikely. Chairman Daniel Levy is a savvy businessman and the club’s valuation has dropped over the past 12 months given the current global situation. Failing to quality for next season’s Champions League will only lower their value further.
The current top 19 Premier League clubs are owned by billionaires so none of them have an immediate need to sell. As a result, United really could be the next Premier League club to find new owners.