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Liverpool: FSG in talks to sell minority stake to Amit Bhatia consortium

Liverpool: FSG in talks to sell minority stake to Amit Bhatia consortium

A consortium led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in acquiring a minority stake in Liverpool Football Club. The current owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), confirmed that discussions are underway regarding a potential strategic minority investment.

Mr. Bhatia, who was previously a director and co-owner at QPR for 18 seasons, transferred his share of that club on Tuesday afternoon. His consortium has engaged advisors to work on the potential deal with FSG.

Details of the Proposed Investment

If the investment proceeds, it is understood that the structure would be similar to a deal FSG made in 2023 with Dynasty Equity, a global sports investment firm. That previous agreement involved the sale of a minority stake in the club, valued at between £82m and £164m, which helped to offset bank debt from infrastructure projects, including redevelopments at Anfield and the club’s training ground.

According to the Financial Times, a deal with the consortium led by Mr. Bhatia could value Liverpool at more than $6bn (£4.5bn). FSG acquired Liverpool in 2010 for £300m when the club faced potential administration.

Mr. Bhatia’s background includes work as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley before he became an entrepreneur. He has business interests in construction, real estate, and private equity. His construction company, founded when he was 32, is now described as the largest independent building materials business in the UK, employing over 5,000 people. He was recognised with a young entrepreneur of the year award in 2013 and is a member of the advisory board for the Saudi Arabian government’s cultural affairs and international relations unit.

Mr. Bhatia, 46, is married to Vanisha Mittal Bhatia, daughter of Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal. The Mittal family also acquired a majority stake in the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals in May 2026.

FSG’s Ownership Strategy

FSG indicated in 2022 that it was open to new investment in Liverpool, either through minority shareholders or a full sale, stating that new shareholders would be considered if it was in the club’s best interest. A full sale did not materialise, but the agreement with Dynasty Equity in 2023 was described by FSG president Mike Gordon as strengthening the club’s financial position and supporting ambitions for continued success.

Since then, FSG explored the possibility of purchasing a second club in continental Europe to expand its portfolio, following a multi-club model seen with other prominent clubs. However, after examining potential acquisitions such as Spanish sides Malaga and Getafe and French club Bordeaux, FSG did not proceed with these deals and is now understood to have moved away from this model.

The decision to move away from the multi-club approach reportedly led to the departure of former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards last month, who had been rehired by FSG to lead the multi-club project. The current sporting director, Richard Hughes, is managing the club’s transfer strategy this summer and has a contract until summer 2027.

Amit Bhatia was QPR's co-owner until July 21, when he transferred his share of the club to Ruben Gnanalingam.
Image:Amit Bhatia was QPR's co-owner until July 21, when he transferred his share of the club to Ruben Gnanalingam. Credit: skysports.com

John W. Henry, Liverpool‘s principal owner, has maintained a lower public profile regarding club matters since his apology for his role in the European Super League project in 2021.

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Source: bbc.com

Adam Rutherford

Adam Rutherford

Senior Football Correspondent

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.”