The Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is part of a consortium that is nearing a deal to buy a minority stake in Liverpool, according to a report.
Sky News reported on Monday that the consortium, led by Amit Bhatia, the British-Indian millionaire and former co-owner of QPR, is close to buying a “roughly one-third stake” in the Premier League club.
Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) confirmed last month that they had been approached by the syndicate, with Bezos, the world’s fourth-richest man, a part of the group. The Independent has contacted FSG for comment.
Sky News reported that FSG could make an announcement about the deal in the coming days. Eduardo Saverin, one of the co-founders of Facebook, is also part of the consortium.
Bezos, whose fortune is reportedly worth around $257bn and who owns The Washington Post, explored bids for two NFL teams last year, the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders, but did not proceed with either deal.
Bhatia is the son-in-law of Lakshimi Mittal, the billionaire executive of steel production giant ArcelorMittal. He confirmed his departure from QPR’s board last month, on the same day as FSG confirmed the talks with his consortium.
FSG took control of Liverpool in 2010 and paid around £300m for the Reds when they were in financial trouble. Liverpool have been valued at £4.5bn ($6bn) following the reported interest from the new consortium.
Since FSG took charge of Liverpool 16 years ago, the Reds have won two Premier League titles and the Champions League and have invested in upgrading their historic Anfield stadium, as well as building a new training ground.
FSG, who also own storied baseball team the Boston Red Sox, sold a minority stake in Liverpool to investment firm Dynasty in 2023, which brought an injection of cash into the club following the pandemic, but did not fund future transfers.
A spokesperson for FSG confirmed last month: “An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club.”
