Liverpool FC supporters in the city centre have shared their thoughts on the club's new investment from an Amazon founder-led consortium. Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has completed the sale of a 30% minority stake in Liverpool FC to an investment consortium for approximately £1.4 billion, valuing the club at around £4.57 billion.
Bezos to be represented on board
While Jeff Bezos is the primary investor through the K5 Sports fund, he will not personally serve on the Liverpool board. Instead, Bryan Baum, managing partner of K5 Global, will represent him on the reconfigured board. Bezos is estimated to be the third richest man in the world, with a personal fortune of around £204 billion.
FSG originally acquired Liverpool for £300 million in October 2010 to save the club from potential bankruptcy. Nearly 16 years later, the club recently recorded record revenues surpassing £700 million.
Fans share mixed reactions
The ECHO asked people in the city about the new investment, and reactions were mixed. A young Liverpool fan visiting from Cork with his mum believes it's a great thing for the club. He said: "I feel like we have enough money to get Bradley Barcola now. We'll have a new, exciting winger coming into our club and hopefully he stays there for many years."
Aussie fan Angela agreed, adding: "I think it can only be a good thing if it's managed properly. The investment, the new blood, the new money into the club. I think it's going to be a good thing."
However, Everton fans in the city had the opposite opinion. Dave, on his way to watch Everton play, joked: "I hate Amazon now. I'm a big customer of Amazon but now I would never buy another thing off them, you know the reason why? I f****** hate Liverpool. I hate Amazon now."
Stan focused on his own club, saying: "Everton have got enough of their own worries with their own club so it's irrelevant what they do over there. Good luck if it's the right thing for them. But, for us, we're not really bothered. We just want to get on with our own problems."
The partnership comes shortly after FSG shelved plans for a multi-club ownership model, which led to the departure of former CEO of football Michael Edwards. The fresh investment is intended to bolster Liverpool's global status and fund future growth opportunities on and off the pitch.
