Former Liverpool player John Barnes warned the club "risks losing some of its unique character and heritage by courting investors who may be more interested in their commercial value rather than maintaining tradition," according to James Porteous of the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST. Reports in February said that Liverpool was "close to sealing major investment from Asia," with the naming rights for Anfield’s new main stand "up for grabs" for around £90M ($128.5M). Offers from Chinese investors to "buy a minority stake in one of world football’s most storied clubs were also reportedly being considered." Barnes understands the "necessity for the club to maximise earnings wherever they can but admitted he wasn't a fan." Barnes said, "From a financial point of view I can understand why clubs look for investments to help them. [But] from the point of view of integrity of football and from Bill Shankly’s philosophy, who was fairly socialist -- I’m talking about the relationship with the fans, having local players -- that’s for me where Germany have got it right. They try to create something rather than just buy players every six months." Barnes admitted it is a "difficult balance in trying to keep the team competitive without alienating supporters and while staying true to its traditions." Barnes: "That is English football. I think Liverpool are probably the last bastions of that in terms of trying to retain a semblance of an identity but it's not just Liverpool, it's English football" (SCMP, 4/18).
