Liverpool could soon have an Italian sister club if takeover rumours are true

American investor Stephen Pagliuca is reportedly one of the contenders to take over Liverpool should Fenway Sports Group proceed with a sale of the club - and the Reds could have a new sister club if Pagliuca does complete a deal.

The Athletic's Matt Slater claimed earlier this week that Pagliuca and his company, Bain Capital, could be in contention to buy the Merseyside.

And given that he has a net worth of $3.88 billion, as per Wallmine, he could be able to invest in the club, should FSG choose to go down that route instead.

Indeed, in a statement, FSG said they 'would consider new shareholders', but only if it was to be 'in the best interests of Liverpool as a club'.

Slater reports that Pagliuca knows FSG and its principal owner, John W Henry, well, which could make doing a deal much easier if the American is truly keen.

Away from football, the 67-year-old co-owns NBA side Boston Celtics, and is also the managing general partner and memeber of the execuitve committee.

He even stood as a Democratic candidate for the US Senate in Massachusetts in 2009.

But it is his other footballing business interest that will no doubt interest Liverpool fans the most.

How Liverpool could have new sister club

Pagliuca is currently co-chairman of Serie A side Atalanta, and has a 55 per cent stake in the club.

They faced the Reds in Champions League group stage action in 2020/21. Liverpool lost 2-0 at Anfield, before winning 5-0 in Bergamo.

Given the club's superb rise over recent years to become one of the major forces in Italian football, a partnership between Atalanta and the Reds - if Pagliuca was to invest in the latter - could certainly be beneficial for both parties.

Their head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, plays an attacking style of football.

He uses a three-at-the-back formation that allows wing-backs to shine.

The Reds could potentially send some of their star young talents to Italy to bolster their experience levels, whilst Jurgen Klopp's side may even have better opportunities to sign the excellent players that Atalanta regularly bring through their academy,

Either way, this could be one of football's more exciting club partnerships - and could be a major advantage for Liverpool should any deal involving Pagliuca and FSG be completed.

Topics: Atalanta, Liverpool, Premier League

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.