A consortium led by Amit Bhatia is in preliminary discussions with Fenway Sports Group to acquire a minority stake in Liverpool FC.
Key facts
- •The proposed deal values Liverpool FC at approximately £4.5 billion.
- •FSG purchased Liverpool for £300 million in 2010.
- •Amit Bhatia resigned as co-owner and director of QPR on Tuesday.
- •FSG confirmed the existence of the bid in a statement to the Financial Times.
- •Jeff Bezos has been approached to join the investment group but has not committed.
A consortium led by former Queens Park Rangers co-owner Amit Bhatia has entered preliminary talks with Fenway Sports Group (FSG) to purchase a stake in Liverpool FC. While neither party has confirmed the figures, reports suggest a provisional offer of £1.35 billion for approximately 30% of the club. FSG, which has owned the club since 2010, maintains that the discussions are in an early stage and are not part of an exit strategy.
By the numbers
Financial Context and Investment Strategy
The reported offer values Liverpool at approximately £4.5 billion. FSG previously sold a 10% stake to RedBird Capital Partners in 2021 for £543 million and a 4% stake to Dynasty Equity in 2023 for £164 million. The owners are seeking to attract capital to maintain competitiveness against elite clubs while retaining overall control, following a period that included a record transfer outlay of nearly £450 million and a modest £8 million profit during the 2024-25 Premier League season.
Involvement of Potential Investors
Amit Bhatia, who stepped down from his role at QPR after 18 years, is reportedly backed by the family of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal. Reports also indicate that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has been approached to join the consortium, though he remains undecided. FSG president Mike Gordon is expected to remain in a prominent role regarding football operations, with no immediate changes to the club's transfer plans expected as a result of these negotiations.
Timeline
- 2010Fenway Sports Group purchased Liverpool FC for £300 million.
- March 2021FSG sold a 10% stake to RedBird Capital Partners for £543 million.
- 2023FSG sold a 4% stake to Dynasty Equity for £164 million.
- TuesdayAmit Bhatia stepped down from QPR and FSG confirmed the bid to the Financial Times.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Guardian Sport.
