Fenway Sports Group have confirmed that a consortium of investors, led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia, have approached them about a stake in Liverpool FC.
It's understood the group is backed by the Mittal family, whose net worth was most recently valued at over £26 billion by Forbes. No agreement is in place and talks remain at an early stage according to sources briefed on the matter.
Bhatia leaves QPR role
On Tuesday, Bhatia was confirmed as having left his role as co-owner of Queens Park Rangers, with the London club publishing his departure on their official website.
Bhatia is the son-in-law of Lakshmi Mittal, who is the executive of ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steel and mining company, and FSG confirmed that talks are active over what has been described as a "significant minority stake".
The ECHO understands the negotiations are being viewed as similar to the agreement with Dynasty Equity in 2023, which was worth between £82m and £164m.
FSG statement
An FSG statement given to the ECHO said: “An investment consortium led, managed and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club.”
Mr Bhatia has so far declined to comment on the developments but went public about the decision to step away from QPR on Tuesday, having come on board at Loftus Road nearly 20 years ago.
Bhatia said: “Since joining the club in 2007, QPR has been a deeply important part of my life, and of my family’s life. Over nearly two decades we have shared promotions, relegations, unforgettable highs and painful lows, and the memories we have made at Loftus Road alongside the supporters will stay with us forever.
“Being part of QPR has shaped me in many ways. It has taught me about resilience, responsibility and the importance of stewardship. I am especially proud of the work of QPR in the Community Trust, which reflects the best of the club and the extraordinary role it plays in the local community.
“I step back from my formal responsibilities with pride, gratitude and affection. I want to thank the players, managers, staff, the Community Trust, my fellow board members and, above all, the fans, who have made me and my family feel part of the QPR family for so many years.
“I am grateful to my dear friend Ruben and his family for their friendship and partnership, as I am to Richard, Lee, Christian and everyone continuing to work on behalf of the club. QPR will always have a very special place in my heart.”
Liverpool's valuation
FSG purchased Liverpool for £300m in October 2010. Over 15 years later, the 20-time Premier League champions are valued at £5.2 billion by the influential American finance publication Forbes. Earlier this year, the club posted revenues north of £700m for the first time in their history.
In 2024, Fenway began exploring their options to begin a multi-club ownership model but have more recently shelved those plans, which led to the exit of Michael Edwards, Liverpool's former sporting director who was appointed as FSG's CEO of football two years ago.
