Liverpool’s principal owner John Henry insists it is a myth that a new stadium will transform the club’s financial fortunes.
The lead figure in Fenway Sports Group has suggested a new-build in Stanley Park would most likely lead to increased ticket prices, quoting recent examples taken from the United States.
Henry believes the best way of improving the Reds’ ability to compete financially is through worldwide commercial revenue streams and their long-term future is not dependent on the stadium issue, which casts doubt over whether the long-mooted Stanley Park project will ever come to fruition.
“A belief has grown that Liverpool FC must have a new stadium to compete with Manchester United, Arsenal and others. No-one has ever addressed whether or not a new stadium is rational,” the American said.
“New stadiums that are publicly-financed make sense for clubs – I’ve never heard of a club turning down a publicly-financed stadium.
“But privately carrying new stadiums is an enormous challenge.
“Arsenal is centred in a very wealthy city with a metropolitan population of approximately 14 million people.”
Henry accepts there is a balancing act to be done when considering the worth of a new venue against a re-development of Anfield, which presents numerous logistical problems.
“We’ve been exploring a new stadium for the past 18 months. At one point we made it clear that if a naming rights deal could be secured of sufficient size, we would make every effort to build a new facility,” he added.
“Going in the other direction, many football clubs have successfully enlarged their seating capacity.
“LFC has had plans to expand the main stand at Anfield but this avenue has been very difficult for the club over the past couple of decades.
“While a new stadium or an expansion of Anfield is beneficial over the long-term for the club, the financial impact of adding seats and amenities should be put into perspective.
“That’s why I say that it is a myth that stadium issues are going to magically transform Liverpool FC’s fortunes.
“Our future is based not on a stadium issue but on building a strong football club that can compete with anyone in Europe.”