Rumors of Transfer to UK Free Economic Newspaper City A.M LIV
Transfer Fee Approximately 1.18 Trillion KRW, More Than Woods
Change Welcoming Returning Transferred Players Amid Criticism of LIV Launch
‘Transfer Rumors Denied’ in RBC Heritage Interview
"Following Jon Rahm, now McIlroy."
World No. 2 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) is rumored to be transferring to LIV Golf. The UK's free financial newspaper City A.M reported on the 16th (local time) that "McIlroy may sign a contract to move to LIV" and "confirmed from two separate sources that McIlroy's LIV transfer contract is close to being finalized." According to the outlet, LIV Golf has offered McIlroy $850 million (approximately 1.18 trillion KRW). Additionally, it is reported that 2% equity in LIV Golf is also being offered.
The media outlet that first reported McIlroy's LIV Golf transfer rumor is not a mainstream British or European media. However, Australian Fox Sports and Golf Digest have followed up on the report, discussing the possibility of the transfer. Australian Fox Sports evaluated, "McIlroy fiercely criticized players who transferred to LIV Golf during its early days, but recently his stance has noticeably softened."
In fact, McIlroy stated in January that "the PGA Tour should accept players who moved to LIV Golf back." In February, when asked about the possibility of transferring to LIV Golf, he replied, "I don't know," seemingly leaving room for possibility. Also, earlier this month before the Masters, he said, "The division between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is undesirable," and "There are world-class players in LIV Golf as well."
Sponsored by Saudi Arabian capital, LIV Golf has invested enormous amounts since its launch in 2022. The amount offered to McIlroy this time exceeds that of the 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA, estimated $800 million). Among the players recently recruited by LIV Golf, Jon Rahm (Spain), considered the 'biggest catch,' reportedly received $450 million (approximately 627 billion KRW) when he moved to LIV last December.
McIlroy, who is at the center of LIV Golf transfer rumors, will participate in the PGA Tour RBC Heritage (total prize money $20 million) held on the 18th at Harbour Town Golf Links (par 71, 7,213 yards) on Hilton Head Island. In an interview with Golf Channel, he dismissed the LIV Golf transfer rumors, saying, "I will finish my golf career on the PGA Tour." McIlroy drew a line, stating, "I don't know how such rumors started. I have never received any offer from LIV Golf."
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