Liverpool could be heading for a major change in ownership after Amazon founder Jeff Bezos reportedly joined a billionaire consortium closing in on a deal to acquire a significant minority stake in the Premier League giants.
The proposed investment could see the consortium acquire around 30 per cent of Liverpool, with reports suggesting the deal could be worth approximately £1.35 billion.
The investment would value Liverpool at roughly £4.5 billion, making it one of the most significant minority ownership transactions involving a Premier League club.
Jeff Bezos Joins Liverpool Investment Consortium
Bezos’ involvement has generated huge interest because of his immense wealth and global business influence.
The Amazon founder was reportedly approached to join the consortium and was initially not certain to participate.
However, the latest reports indicate that Bezos is now part of the group believed to be nearing an agreement with Liverpool’s current owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG).
The potential investment would give Bezos exposure to one of the world’s most valuable and commercially successful football clubs.
Facebook Co-Founder Also Involved
The consortium reportedly also includes Eduardo Saverin, the Brazilian-born billionaire and one of the co-founders of Facebook.
Saverin has built a substantial investment portfolio since leaving Facebook and has become an influential technology investor.
His involvement means the proposed Liverpool investment could bring together some of the world’s biggest technology and investment fortunes.
Bhatia Leading Consortium
The consortium is reportedly being led by businessman Avram Glazer? No — reports indicate that Shahid Khan?
More recent reports identify Bhatia as the figure leading the group, with backing from the influential Mittal family.
The Mittal family is headed by Indian steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, who has extensive interests across global business and sport.
Bhatia previously held an interest in Queens Park Rangers, giving the consortium leadership experience in English football.
FSG Will Keep Control of Liverpool
Despite the eye-catching names involved, the proposed transaction would not be a full takeover of Liverpool.
FSG would remain the club’s controlling owner if the deal is completed.
Instead, the American ownership group would sell a substantial minority stake while bringing additional investment into the club.
FSG has previously used a similar strategy by selling minority interests while retaining overall control.
A 30 per cent stake would nevertheless make the new investors highly influential shareholders.
They could have an important voice in discussions surrounding Liverpool’s commercial strategy, financial planning and long-term growth.
Liverpool Fans Await FSG Announcement
The potential investment has already generated significant interest among Liverpool supporters.
Bezos’ involvement has attracted particular attention because of his enormous personal fortune and growing interest in professional sports.
However, the proposed transaction should not be interpreted as Bezos buying Liverpool outright.
FSG would continue to control the club if the reported agreement goes through.
The investment would instead mark another major development in Liverpool’s ownership history.
FSG Bought Liverpool for £300 Million
FSG purchased Liverpool in 2010 for approximately £300 million.
Since then, the club has enjoyed major success on the pitch while its commercial value has increased dramatically.
Liverpool have won major domestic and European trophies during FSG’s ownership and have become one of the world’s most commercially powerful football brands.
The reported £4.5 billion valuation would represent a remarkable increase from the amount FSG paid for the club in 2010.
With negotiations reportedly at an advanced stage, attention is now turning to FSG for official confirmation.
If completed, the deal would introduce some of the world’s biggest technology and investment names into Liverpool’s ownership structure while allowing FSG to retain control at Anfield.