Bezos approached as Liverpool investment talks gather pace

Fenway Sports Group has held talks with a consortium led by former Queens Park Rangers co-owner Amit Bhatia over a strategic minority investment in Liverpool.Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has also been approached about joining the syndicate, adding one of the world’s wealthiest investors to discussions around a deal that could involve as much as 30% of the club.An FSG spokesperson said: “An investment consortium led, managed and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club.”Bezos has held discussions about participating but has not committed to an investment. His involvement would significantly increase the group’s financial capacity and add a globally recognised US technology executive to the proposed ownership structure.The Amazon and Blue Origin founder has previously explored opportunities in US sport, including potential bids for NFL teams the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders, but did not proceed with either deal.Bhatia’s consortium is backed by the Mittal family and has appointed advisers to work on a potential transaction with FSG.A deal has been reported as valuing Liverpool at more than US$6bn, equivalent to about £4.5bn. The precise size, price and structure of the proposed investment have not been agreed.The potential stake could be substantially larger than the minority investment completed by Dynasty Equity in 2023.FSG raised £164m from that transaction, with the capital used to reduce debt and support infrastructure spending rather than fund player transfers. Dynasty became a passive investor in the club.A Bhatia-led investment could carry a more strategic role, potentially giving the consortium greater influence over Liverpool’s commercial and operational development without transferring control away from FSG.Bhatia transferred his shareholding in QPR to Ruben Gnanalingam on July 21, clearing a possible conflict before pursuing an investment in another English club.He previously served as a director and co-owner of QPR and helped oversee the club during a period that included promotion to the Premier League.FSG bought Liverpool for £300m in 2010 and have since expanded Anfield, developed the AXA Training Centre and strengthened the club’s global commercial operation.The group, controlled by John Henry, also own the Boston Red Sox and hold interests across baseball, ice hockey and other sports properties.Selling a larger minority position would allow FSG to realise part of the increase in Liverpool’s value while retaining majority control.It could also provide capital for debt reduction, infrastructure, commercial growth or wider investment across FSG’s portfolio, although there is no indication that proceeds would be directed towards player recruitment.A transaction involving up to 30% would inevitably raise questions about FSG’s longer-term ownership plans, particularly if the incoming group secured rights to increase its holding at a later stage.FSG have not indicated that they intend to relinquish control, and discussions remain at an early stage with no certainty that either Bezos or the wider consortium will complete an investment.