Liverpool unexpectedly emerged as a target for Amazon's billionaire founder

Liverpool might see a new influential tech mogul join its investor base, with talks about selling around 30% of the Anfield side's equity entering a significant phase.

According to The Guardian, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has held discussions regarding the possibility of joining an investment consortium seeking to acquire a partial stake in Liverpool from Fenway Sports Group (FSG). The consortium is led by Amit Bhatia, a former co-owner of Queens Park Rangers.

Bhatia's group is said to have submitted a preliminary offer worth £1.35 billion for roughly 30% of Liverpool. This valuation implies the entire Merseyside club is valued at approximately £4.5 billion. FSG has confirmed that a consortium led by Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool.

During the process of raising financial resources, Bhatia has approached several potential investors, most notably Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. If he decides to join, the American billionaire would not only provide capital but also directly receive equity in Liverpool.

Bezos currently holds an estimated wealth of around $257 billion and is fourth in the list of the world's richest individuals. Previously, he explored the possibility of buying NFL teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders, but neither deal was completed. Liverpool could therefore become Bezos's first investment in a Premier League club.

The interest from Amazon's founder also draws significant attention because the company has expanded heavily into entertainment and sports rights. Amazon has held the rights to broadcast 20 Premier League matches per season in the UK market, and is also streaming Champions League games in some European countries and NFL games in the US.

Apart from Bezos, Bhatia's consortium is said to have secured financial backing from Lakshmi Mittal, the Indian steel magnate who is also the father-in-law of the former QPR chairman. The Mittal family has an estimated wealth of around £23 billion.

The offer of £1.35 billion for a 30% stake also highlights how Liverpool's value has risen sharply under FSG's ownership. The American sports group bought the Anfield club for around £300 million in 2010. If the deal with Bhatia's consortium is completed, FSG will retain control of Liverpool but will gain substantial capital from the sale of a minority stake.

FSG previously sold a minority stake in Liverpool to Dynasty Equity in 2023. This latest round of negotiations is seen as an opportunity for the current owners to raise further funds and strengthen their financial position without relinquishing operational control at Anfield.

The potential involvement of Bezos could therefore represent a major commercial turning point for Liverpool. However, the future of the deal still depends on the ongoing negotiations between FSG, the Bhatia consortium, and the investors being invited to participate.