Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Indian businessman Amit Bhatia are reportedly nearing a deal to become co-owners of Liverpool, with a consortium led by Bhatia expected to purchase around a one-third stake in the Premier League club.
Fenway Sports Group (FSG), which has owned Liverpool since 2010, confirmed on Monday that it had received an approach from an investment group led, managed and represented by Bhatia.
“An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club,” FSG said in a statement.
According to Sky News, the consortium also includes Eduardo Saverin, the Facebook co-founder. Bhatia, who is married to the daughter of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, is leading the group. He previously held a stake in Championship side Queens Park Rangers.
The agreement could reportedly be announced as early as this week, although the announcement could also be pushed into next week.
The proposed transaction would value Liverpool at approximately £4.4 billion ($5.9 billion), placing the club among the world's most valuable football teams.
FSG acquired Liverpool in 2010 and has continued to be the club's controlling owner, despite considering external investment opportunities in recent years. A deal involving roughly one-third of the club would provide the incoming investors with a significant stake while allowing FSG to retain control.
Bezos, whose wealth is estimated by Forbes at more than $280 billion, has previously explored opportunities to invest in major American sports franchises. He considered potential bids for NFL teams the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders, although neither deal was completed.
Saverin was also part of a consortium that attempted to acquire Chelsea in 2022, but the bid ultimately failed.
The potential Liverpool investment comes as American ownership continues to expand across the Premier League, with US-based investors now involved with roughly half of the clubs in the competition.
FSG took over Liverpool after purchasing the club from Tom Hicks and George Gillett in 2010. Under the group's ownership, Liverpool returned to the top of English football and won the Premier League title in 2020, ending a three-decade wait for the championship.
The club claimed another league title in the 2024-25 season but is now entering a period of transition following the departures of manager Arne Slot and star forward Mohamed Salah.
Michael Edwards, who played a major role in assembling the squad that secured the 2020 Premier League title, also stepped down from his position as FSG's chief executive of football in July.
If completed, the transaction would add Bezos and Saverin to Liverpool's ownership structure, with Bhatia heading the investment consortium while FSG continues to maintain overall control of the club.
