Jeff Bezos is closing in on a deal to buy a stake in Liverpool, with an announcement potentially coming as soon as this week.
Consortium includes Facebook co-founder
The Amazon founder is part of a consortium led by businessman Amit Bhatia, which also includes Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, who is set to acquire a stake of slightly more than 30 per cent in the Premier League club.
Sky News report that Fenway Sports Group (FSG), which has controlled Liverpool since 2010, are preparing to announce the deal which would bring three extremely wealthy investors into Liverpool's ownership structure.
Investors' wealth and club valuation
Bezos is estimated to have a fortune of more than $280 billion, while Saverin is reportedly worth over $32 billion. Bhatia, meanwhile, is the son-in-law of Indian steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal and was previously a shareholder in Championship side Queens Park Rangers.
The proposed investment would value Liverpool at around $6 billion, making it one of the biggest transactions involving a football club.
Potential long-term implications
The consortium's involvement will raise questions about Liverpool's long-term ownership. While the immediate deal is expected to be a minority investment, the arrival of investors with enormous financial resources will prompt speculation that they may eventually seek greater control of the club.
FSG bought Liverpool for around £300 million in 2010, when the club was facing significant financial difficulties. Since then, Liverpool have won a sixth Champions League trophy and two Premier League titles.
FSG, which also owns the Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Penguins, confirmed last month that Bhatia's consortium had expressed an interest in making a strategic minority investment.
A spokesperson for FSG said: “An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club.”
