FSG’s Next Chapter at Liverpool: Further Anfield Expansion and a New Deal for Arne Slot

Fifteen years ago this week, John W. Henry stood proudly on the steps of London’s High Court, moments after becoming the new principal owner of Liverpool FC. His message was clear: “We’re here to win.”

 

That declaration came right after Fenway Sports Group—then called New England Sports Ventures—finalized their £300 million takeover of the club, ending the chaotic reign of Tom Hicks and George Gillett, whose mismanagement had pushed Liverpool to the edge of financial collapse.

 

Since then, FSG have transformed Liverpool’s fortunes. As of October 2025, the Reds are Premier League champions once again and are expected to announce record-breaking revenues, supported by a new 10-year partnership with Adidas and a series of other lucrative commercial deals.

 

Anfield has been completely rejuvenated, now hosting 60,000 fans weekly following expansions to the Main Stand (2016) and Anfield Road End (2023). Meanwhile, the AXA Training Centre, opened five years ago, represents another major investment of £50 million in the club’s future.

 

In a statement released on Wednesday, FSG reflected on their 15-year journey, saying:

“Today is a day to look back with gratitude. But it’s also a reminder that our work isn’t done. There’s still more to achieve, more to win, and more memories to make together.”

 

So, what does the next chapter hold for Liverpool under Fenway’s stewardship? The ECHO’s Liverpool writers have explored what might be next for the Reds in the months and years ahead.

 

Perhaps the most defining decision of FSG’s tenure was their choice to remain at Anfield and expand, rather than relocate. Back in 2010, it would have been easy to consider building a new stadium elsewhere. But John Henry, after touring Anfield, famously remarked that there was “no reason to ever leave such an iconic football ground.”

 

Today, the modern Anfield stands as a testament to FSG’s vision—over £200 million invested in infrastructure that not only preserves the club’s heritage but also strengthens its global appeal.

 

The Main Stand’s 2016 opening, costing around £115 million, brought Anfield’s largest crowds in decades. The Anfield Road expansion followed in 2023, a project symbolically launched when Jürgen Klopp himself dug the first spade into the ground back in 2021.

 

Now, Anfield has evolved beyond football, hosting major concerts every summer and operating nearly year-round—a strategic move that has boosted the club’s revenue streams.

 

While further expansion plans have been downplayed in recent interviews, it’s clear that additional capacity would make long-term financial sense. The collapse of the Buckingham Group, the contractor handling the last expansion, led to delays and rising costs—issues that could deter future projects. But if another opportunity arises to increase Anfield’s size, it would undoubtedly meet the ever-growing ticket demand, especially with Liverpool at the peak of their success.

 

It’s remarkable to recall that the Liverpool FSG first inherited was one led by Roy Hodgson. The 2010 photos of Hodgson standing alongside John Henry and Tom Werner now seem almost surreal.

 

After Hodgson’s short-lived tenure came Kenny Dalglish’s return, which brought one League Cup in 18 months but wasn’t enough to secure his long-term stay. FSG sought a modern, forward-thinking coach—and found one in Brendan Rodgers. His youthful energy nearly delivered the title in 2014, but it wasn’t to be.

 

Then came Jürgen Klopp, and with him, a historic partnership between club, city, and fans. FSG deserve credit for identifying him, though even they couldn’t have predicted just how special that union would become.

 

When Klopp’s departure stunned supporters last year, Arne Slot arrived as a different kind of leader—calm, innovative, and tactically sharp. His impact was immediate, guiding Liverpool to a second Premier League title under FSG.

 

Now, Slot’s future will be crucial to Liverpool’s next phase. His initial three-year contract, signed 15 months ago, was a cautious move by FSG given his lack of experience outside the Netherlands. But with the success he’s already achieved, a new long-term deal feels inevitable—and deserved.

 

After a transformative summer of transfers, FSG must back Slot to shape the next great Liverpool team. Rewarding him with greater stability could form the foundation for another era of sustained success at Anfield.