Report: Liverpool star shocks, buys Ligue 1 club

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is looking to expand his influence off the pitch with a bold bid to take over FC Nantes. The move, first reported by L’Equipe and later by Get Football News France, highlights the English footballer’s growing interest in the business world, particularly in the French sports market. While still fully committed to his role at Liverpool, the right-back seems keen to take ownership of a football club – a path many footballers take after or even during their careers.

Why FC Nantes?

Alexander-Arnold’s interest in FC Nantes did not come overnight. The Liverpool star had previously been linked with offers from AS Saint-Étienne and Le Havre, two other Ligue 1 clubs. However, a potential sale of Nantes, a club with a rich history but recent struggles, seems to have become a primary focus for him and his family.

The deal is reportedly being orchestrated by his father, Michael Arnold, who manages his son’s interests through a London-based investment firm. The Arnolds have already shown significant involvement in the French sports market, as Alexander-Arnold is already a minority shareholder in French team Alpine Formula 1 through Otro Capital. This current involvement could further fuel their interest in expanding into Ligue 1.

As Get Football News France explains, Nantes’ current owner, Waldemar Kita, has owned the club since 2007 but is reportedly considering selling due to ongoing financial difficulties and repeated failures on and off the pitch. Kita, who remains an unpopular figure among the club’s supporters, has struggled to develop its sports infrastructure, particularly with the failure to deliver a new private stadium.

Proposed contract

The proposed takeover offer for FC Nantes is said to be valued at €100 million, comprising €80 million upfront, plus an additional €20 million in credit for the seller. In addition, bonuses of up to €40 million have been attached to the deal. The intricacies of these additional clauses remain undisclosed, but such performance-related incentives are common in football takeovers to help narrow the valuation gap between buyer and seller.

The potential takeover has been progressing in stages, with several meetings between the parties involved already taking place. According to Get Football News France, Michael Arnold first met Kita via video conference in the summer, followed by in-person talks in Geneva. The two parties recently met in London as takeover talks gathered pace.

It is worth noting, however, that FC Nantes have publicly denied any negotiations with Trent Alexander-Arnold and his family. While this is a typical reaction in the early stages of such high-profile deals, the fact remains that discussions have been ongoing for months. Whether a deal ultimately goes through may depend on Kita’s willingness to accept the current offer, which, as some sources suggest, may not compensate for the financial losses he has suffered since taking over the club 17 years ago.

Could this be a breakthrough moment for Nantes?

For FC Nantes, this potential takeover could be a turning point. Under Kita, the club has experienced a mix of success and turmoil. Despite their illustrious history, Nantes have struggled to maintain consistent results on the pitch, often fighting to stay in the league rather than fighting for European places. The club has also been marred by fan dissatisfaction, particularly with Kita’s management style.

A change of ownership could be exactly what the club needs to rejuvenate its fortunes. Alexander-Arnold’s involvement could bring new ideas, fresh investment and perhaps a different approach to modern club ownership. The Liverpool star has always been known for his tactical intelligence and leadership throughout his playing career – qualities that could serve him well if he takes on this new challenge.

Interestingly, the move follows a recent trend of current and former footballers seeking business ventures. High-profile players such as Gerard Piqué and David Beckham have ventured into club ownership, hoping to build a legacy that extends beyond their playing days. For Alexander-Arnold, securing a deal with Nantes could mark the beginning of a successful career in sports management after his playing days are over.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans are likely to have mixed reactions to this report about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ambitions off the pitch. While the player’s desire to secure his future outside of football is understandable, the timing of the FC Nantes takeover may raise some concerns, especially as Liverpool are currently going through a period of transition under new manager Arne Slot.

On the one hand, many fans will be pleased to see Alexander-Arnold following in the footsteps of other top players who have successfully transitioned into ownership and management roles, showing the progressive nature of his character. It could also serve as a distraction from the intense scrutiny Premier League players face on a daily basis, offering him an outlet for his creativity and strategic mindset.

There are concerns, however, that his focus may shift too far from his primary duties at Anfield. In the past, some Liverpool fans have worried about the player’s involvement when outside interests such as brand sponsorship or side interests have become apparent. With Alexander-Arnold still an integral part of the current Liverpool squad, particularly in this phase of the post-Klopp rebuild, some may hope that his takeover ambitions will not affect his performances on the pitch.

Overall, while the potential for ownership is exciting and ambitious, Liverpool fans will be hoping this venture remains a side project, allowing him to continue to lead from the back at Anfield. His leadership and vision on the pitch, which made him a cornerstone of Jurgen Klopp’s successful tenure, will continue to be key as Arne Slot looks to build a new era at Liverpool.