Jeff Bezos-led consortium nears deal for one-third Liverpool stake

A consortium including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is close to reaching an agreement to buy a stake of about one-third in Liverpool, according to multiple media reports.

The proposed investment group is also understood to include Eduardo Saverin, the Facebook co-founder.

Sky News reported that the consortium is being led by Amit Bhatia, the son-in-law of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal. Bhatia was previously a shareholder in Queens Park Rangers, who play in the English Championship.

Liverpool’s owner, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), could announce an agreement as early as this week, according to the report.

FSG confirmed last month that a group led by Bhatia had shown an interest in making a minority investment in the club.

“An investment consortium led, managed and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club,” an FSG spokesperson said.

The deal would reportedly value Liverpool at about £4.4bn (R72bn), which would make it one of the highest valuations ever placed on a football club in an individual transaction.

FSG bought Liverpool in 2010 and has examined options for outside investment in recent years, while continuing to retain overall control of the club. If completed at the reported valuation, the agreement would highlight the significant rise in Liverpool’s value during FSG’s 16-year ownership.

The potential investment comes during a period of major change at Anfield, both in the boardroom and within the playing squad.

Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League last season, a disappointing result after the club spent about £446m on new players.

The club then ended its relationship with Dutch manager Arne Slot and appointed former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola as it sought to improve its fortunes. Liverpool’s leading Egypt forward Mohamed Salah has also left the club.

Michael Edwards, who was widely regarded as a key figure in assembling the squad that secured Liverpool’s first domestic league title in 30 years in 2020, left his position as chief executive officer of football at Fenway Sports Group in July.

Liverpool remain one of the most successful and valuable clubs in world football. Their Anfield stadium is central to a global support base, with the club among the sport’s most widely followed teams.

They won a joint-record 20th English league title in the 2024-25 season. Liverpool’s other major honours include six European Cups, eight FA Cups, a record 10 League Cups and one Fifa Club World Cup.

The club are due to begin their new Premier League campaign away at Newcastle United on 23 August.