Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin are closing in on a deal to acquire a roughly one-third minority stake in Liverpool Football Club. Led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia, the prospective transaction values the Premier League giants at approximately £4.4 billion.
Amit Bhatia Leads Consortium Nearing One-Third Stake in Liverpool
An investment group led, managed and represented by Amit Bhatia is finalizing an agreement to secure a stake of about 30 percent in Liverpool Football Club. According to Sky Sports, controlling shareholder Fenway Sports Group (FSG) is preparing to announce the transaction as soon as this week, though one insider cautioned the timeline could slip into next week.
The syndicate brings together some of the world’s wealthiest individuals. Jeff Bezos, who serves as executive chairman of Amazon and ranks as the third-richest individual in the world with an estimated fortune exceeding $280 billion according to Forbes, joins alongside Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin. Saverin’s personal wealth is said to be over £23.7 billion ($32 billion). Meanwhile, Bhatia is a 46-year-old British-Indian entrepreneur, former Queens Park Rangers shareholder, and the son-in-law of steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal.
The proposed agreement would value the club at approximately £4.4 billion ($5.9 billion), positioning it among the largest valuations ever recorded in professional soccer. FSG previously sold a small interest to Dynasty Equity in 2023 at a valuation valuing it at more than £3.3bn ($4.5bn), demonstrating a sharp upward trajectory in the club’s market worth.
Fenway Sports Group Eyes Staggering Return After 16-Year Ownership
For FSG, the impending minority sale represents an extraordinary financial return. John W Henry, the principal chair of FSG, remains committed to keeping majority control.
“It is a stunning return for FSG. I reported on them buying Liverpool 16 years ago for £300m.”
Kaveh Solhekol, Sky Sports News
Despite parting with roughly 30 percent of the club, FSG leadership will continue to make day-to-day decisions. Mike Gordon has taken a more hands-on role again following the departure of Michael Edwards, who left his position as chief executive officer of football at Fenway Sports Group in July. FSG sources emphasize that the minority sale is intended to further position the club for long-term success rather than signal a complete exit by the American owners.
Analyst Cautions and Financial Fair Play Realities at Anfield
The Premier League operates under modern financial regulations that tie spending directly to club revenue.
Furthermore, funds from the minority stake purchase will go directly to FSG rather than serving as an infinite cash reserve for the team itself, though the association with high-profile figures like Bezos and Saverin is expected to boost future commercial partnerships.
“It is massive for the future of Liverpool. We have to be careful, though. There may be a few supporters uneasy at the prospect of being part-owned by one of the richest men in the world.”
Kaveh Solhekol, Sky Sports News
The ownership shift arrives during a period of transition at Anfield. Liverpool finished a disappointing fifth in the Premier League last season despite an outlay of about £446 million on new players. The club subsequently replaced manager Arne Slot with former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, while forward Mohamed Salah has also departed. Liverpool open their new Premier League campaign away against Newcastle United on August 23.
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