Everton fan Tommy Fleetwood has been put on the spot about Jeff Bezos' potential investment in Liverpool. Amazon owner Bezos is part of a group that includes Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and Amit Bhatia, the son-in-law of Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal.
The consortium is in talks to buy a 30 per cent stake in the club, which could be worth as much as £1.4billion. It is led by Bhatia, a former QPR director, while Bezos, who is listed as the third richest man in the world, and Saverin would participate as investors.
Fleetwood's Reaction on ESPN
If the investment goes ahead, it could be a game-changer for the Reds, with other clubs and fans keeping a close eye on developments. Southport golfing star and ardent Blue Fleetwood was asked for his thoughts during an appearance on ESPN's Pat McAfee Show this week.
The reigning FedEx Cup champion initially did his best to dodge the question, saying with a smile: "No, we're not going to go there. They're antagonising me by talking about Liverpool. I'm not going to let it happen."
After some more golf chat, McAfee tried one last time to get Fleetwood to comment. This time, he was successful, with Fleetwood saying through gritted teeth: "Er, yep. They've clearly got a lot of money. We'll see. It's great for them having such a rich owner. Liverpool are such a successful club, aren't they."
Understandably, Fleetwood stopped short of wishing Bezos and his fellow potential investors well in the venture, adding: "They're Everton's biggest rival. We'll see where that goes. I can't honestly wish that I hope he does a good job for the football club. But all the best!"
Supporters' Group Raises Concerns
Amid the talk of the potential investment, Spirit of Shankly has written to the club to stress that the Reds' ownership and control are "fundamental to us all." The supporters' group has asked for more clarity and a meeting to discuss the potential changes.
It said: "We reiterated that, given the events that led to FSG's purchase of the club, who owns it and how they control it – putting the interests of LFC and its supporters first – is fundamental to us all."
The latest report of a 30 per cent sale and the consortium set up to buy it is significant. The ownership and custodianship of our club is paramount to SoS and all supporters.
"We have witnessed similar sales at other clubs resulting in notable changes in the running of that club and football operations, leading to decisions and behaviours that many would not want to see at Liverpool."
FSG has been open to outside investment, having seen the value of the club rocket from the £300million it paid in 2010 to around £4.5bn now.
