Jeff Bezos in Talks to Join Consortium Seeking Liverpool Stake

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is in discussions about joining a consortium aiming to acquire a minority stake in Liverpool, with the proposed investment valuing the Premier League club at approximately £4.5 billion.

According to The Guardian, the investment group is led by former Queens Park Rangers co-owner Amit Bhatia, who has submitted a provisional £1.35 billion offer to purchase around a 30% stake in Liverpool from current owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG). 

The consortium is also holding talks with several potential investors, including Bezos, to help finance the deal.

If an agreement is reached, Bezos is expected to receive equity in Liverpool as part of the investment. 

The Amazon founder, whose personal fortune is estimated at around $257 billion by Forbes, has previously explored purchasing NFL franchises, including the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders, but has never invested in a Premier League club.

Bezos currently serves as executive chairman of Amazon after stepping down as the company's chief executive in 2021. 

Under his leadership, Amazon significantly expanded its presence in sports broadcasting, previously holding UK rights to 20 Premier League matches per season and continuing to broadcast the UEFA Champions League in several European markets, as well as NFL games in the United States.

The proposed valuation of £4.5 billion would exceed the valuation of Manchester United when Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a 25% stake in the club in 2024.

Bhatia is also believed to have secured financial backing from his father-in-law, Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, whose family wealth is estimated at around £23 billion.

Earlier this week, Bhatia transferred his shares in Queens Park Rangers to fellow owner Ruben Gnanalingam, a move seen as clearing the way for his consortium's proposed investment in Liverpool.

Fenway Sports Group confirmed the discussions in a statement, saying: "An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club."

FSG previously sold a 3% stake in Liverpool to U.S.-based private equity firm Dynasty Equity in 2023 as part of its strategy to attract minority investors while retaining overall control of the club.