Potential new investors for Liverpool
Liverpool‘s ownership situation has seen recent developments, with reports indicating that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has been approached about joining a consortium interested in acquiring a stake in the Premier League club. This news follows earlier reports that a group led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia had expressed interest in a “strategic minority investment” in Liverpool.
Amit Bhatia, who was a director and co-owner of Queens Park Rangers for 18 years, transferred his share in the west London club on Tuesday, July 21. This move appears to clear the way for him to lead a consortium aiming to purchase a reported 30% stake in the Anfield club. Sources close to Bhatia declined to comment on whether Bezos had been specifically approached, stating only that the consortium had engaged in discussions with various potential investors. Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool‘s current owners, also declined to comment.
Bezos’s previous sports interests and financial standing
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is ranked as the world’s fourth-richest person by Forbes, with an estimated net worth of $256.9bn (£192.1bn). He stepped down as Amazon‘s chief executive in 2021 to become executive chairman and still holds an 8% stake in the company. His other ventures include owning The Washington Post and the aerospace company Blue Origin.
While Bezos has not yet invested in sports, he has explored opportunities in the past. In 2023, he was linked with a takeover of the NFL franchise the Washington Commanders. He also previously considered buying the Seattle Seahawks, though he ultimately did not submit offers for either team. If Bezos were to invest in Liverpool, it would mark his first foray into sports ownership.
FSG’s long-term strategy and fan sentiment
FSG confirmed Bhatia‘s interest in a minority investment. This comes after FSG sold a minority stake to Dynasty Equity in 2023, a deal that helped address revenue losses during the pandemic and finance projects like the club’s training centre in Kirkby and the Anfield Road stand expansion. However, Liverpool is currently in a strong financial position, having reported record revenues exceeding £700m in February.
A deal with the Bhatia consortium could value the club at around £4.5bn, according to the Financial Times. This development has led to questions about FSG‘s long-term intentions, especially given recent changes at the club, including the departure of Michael Edwards as FSG‘s CEO of football.
Since taking over in October 2010, FSG has overseen significant success, including two Premier League titles and a Champions League victory since 2019. The prospect of new investors raises questions among supporters, particularly regarding the motives of such wealthy individuals. Neil Atkinson, CEO of The Anfield Wrap, stated that questions should be asked whenever there is interest in investing in a Premier League club to understand the underlying motivations.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire noted that FSG‘s decisions are driven by financial analysis, suggesting they would listen to offers if they align with their financial interests. An FSG spokesperson confirmed discussions regarding a strategic minority investment with a consortium led by Amit Bhatia.
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Source: bbc.com
Adam Rutherford is a Senior Football Correspondent at News-UK. He spent his early career filing match reports across the North West. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Manchester Metropolitan University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Manchester, he coaches a youth team and watches grassroots football. “Every transfer window hides a dozen real stories.”
