Liverpool fan LeBron James already has a two per cent shareholding in the Premier League champions, but after reportedly becoming a partner in Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group, the NBA star effectively increases stake in the club
Tuesday 16 March 2021 23:53, UK
LeBron James has joined Fenway Sports Group as a partner, the Boston Globe reported, with the NBA star increasing his stake in Liverpool as a result.
The 36-year-old Los Angeles Lakers forward purchased an undisclosed number of shares in FSG, which has also approved a $750m private investment from RedBird Capital Partners, the Globe reported, citing a source with knowledge of the deal.
FSG did not respond when approached for comment by Reuters.
James has had a relationship with FSG since 2011, when he signed a marketing deal in exchange for a small ownership - two per cent - stake in Liverpool.
Principal owner John Henry will remain in control of FSG, while chairman Tom Werner stays as the second-largest shareholder. RedBird Capital Partners now owns the third-largest share with President Michael Gordon fourth.
According to Forbes, James is expected to make $95.4m in salary and endorsements in 2021, with $31.4m of that from his Lakers contract. He was supposed to make $39.2m this season, but players' salaries are being reduced as the NBA works through the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Haaland, 20, is under contract at Dortmund until 2024 but has a reported €75m (£66m) release clause, which comes into effect in the summer of 2022.
The Norway international has developed into one of the world's most prolific forwards having scored 43 goals in 44 appearances for Dortmund since joining from Red Bull Salzburg for just £17m at the end of 2019.
United met Haaland's release clause at the time but could not agree on the conditions for the transfer, with the stumbling block believed to be the value of the requested buy-out option if he moved to Old Trafford.
A host of Europe's top clubs have been linked with a move for Haaland, as well as La Liga duo Real Madrid and Barcelona. But could a side look to get Haaland a year early by bidding big in this summer's window?
Jasper Taylor was joined by Sky Sports News' Dharmesh Sheth and skysports.com's Gerard Brand to discuss the options, and likelihood of Haaland leaving in the coming months.
