During the early 2000s, Liverpool FC began courting North American investors. New England Revolution investor/operator Robert Kraft turned down a chance to buy into the club before Canadian George Gillett and Texan Tom Hicks anted up in 2007.
Under the direction of Gillett and Hicks, the Reds experienced on-field success, finishing second place in the Premier League in 2009. Financial failings forced Gillett and Hicks to eventually bail out, raising doubts about the wisdom of depending on foreign ownership.
But since Fenway Sports Group took over Liverpool in 2010, the club has gained financial stability and raised its game on the field. The Reds, now managed by German Jürgen Klopp, advanced to the final of last year's Champions League and currently sit in second place in the Premier League.
