On Thursday, it was officially confirmed that Red Bull and the Arnault family were engaged in exclusive talks to purchase Ligue 2 club Paris FC.
As per a report from L’Équipe, it is expected that Arnault will become the majority shareholder of the club, with Red Bull looking to purchase a 15% share. Reports that Red Bull were looking to add Paris FC to their portfolio came just after it was announced that former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp would become the head of global soccer for Red Bull, starting in January 2025.
But should Red Bull purchase a minority share in Paris FC, as expected, is there a chance that Klopp would manage the Paris-based club? President Pierre Ferracci, who is expected to remain in his position post-takeover, evoked the topic during an interview with BFM Business.
“No, he won’t be the manager. At least, not for now… unless one day we are in the Champions League,” said Ferracci. Competing in the UEFA Champions League is an objective of the club, as outlined in a press release that confirmed takeover talks.
Paris FC president ‘admires’ Klopp
A press release from Financière Agache, a subsidiary holding company of LMVH who are owned by the Arnault family, confirmed the ambition of the prospective new owners who will look to “gradually” bring both the men’s and women’s teams into the elite of French football and to make both sides regular fixtures in the Champions League.
Given their current position at the top of Ligue 2, the Champions League seems a long way away, however, Paris FC will have considerable means, around €100-200m in resources, invested in the coming years.
On Klopp, Ferracci added, “We are going to learn what Klopp’s role as global co-ordinator is. He is someone that I admire a lot.” Should the takeover be completed, Klopp will have a role to play at Paris FC, just not from the sidelines… at least in the short and medium term.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
