Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is reportedly nearing an agreement to buy a substantial minority holding in Liverpool through a consortium headed by businessman Amit Bhatia.
Key takeaways
- The investor group is in advanced negotiations with Fenway Sports Group over a possible purchase of about 33% of Liverpool.
- The deal could be announced as soon as this week.
- A completed transaction may put Liverpool’s valuation at approximately £4.4 billion ($5.9 billion).
- Fenway Sports Group is expected to remain in charge of the Premier League club.
- Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin is also part of the proposed investment group.
Consortium advances Liverpool investment plans
The consortium is understood to be discussing the deal with FSG, Liverpool’s controlling shareholder. The proposed acquisition would cover roughly one-third of the club, although negotiations have not yet been concluded.
At the reported price, Liverpool would become one of the most highly valued football clubs in history. FSG has owned the club since purchasing it in 2010 and is anticipated to preserve overall control even if the minority investment goes ahead.
Bhatia is directing the group. He previously owned a shareholding in Championship side Queens Park Rangers. For Bezos, the transaction would represent his first major move into football ownership and would bring one of the world’s richest entrepreneurs into Liverpool’s ownership structure.
FSG has previously accepted external capital
FSG has already opened the door to outside backing, selling a minority interest to Dynasty Equity in 2023. The latest proposal would be considerably larger, potentially giving Liverpool additional financial strength while the club continues to compete at the top level.
Liverpool and FSG have not confirmed that the transaction has been completed. Discussions are reportedly still underway.
