Bezos-led consortium in talks over 30% Liverpool stake

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, whose personal fortune is estimated at $257bn, is part of a consortium in advanced discussions to acquire a 30% stake in Liverpool Football Club. The deal would value the club at £4.5bn — more than 13 times the £300m current owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) paid to buy it in 2010.

A favourable deal for current owners

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire said the arrangement would strongly benefit FSG, which would receive roughly £1.35bn from selling the 30% stake while retaining overall control of the club. The approach mirrors one previously used by City Football Group, allowing minority investors in to help owners recoup their original outlay. FSG already sold a 3% stake to investment firm Dynasty Equity in 2023. However, analysts note that Premier League financial regulations mean fans should not expect a major boost in transfer spending, since available transfer funds are tied to commercial revenue rather than an owner's personal wealth.

Fan caution

Liverpool supporters, still mindful of the club's financially troubled period under previous owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, have reacted to the news with caution rather than enthusiasm. Fan group Spirit of Shankly said it wants clarity on the consortium's intentions, including whether investors would seek board representation and what vetting has been carried out on those involved. Concerns have also been raised over Amazon's record on worker treatment, including past strikes and union disputes, as well as recent layoffs at the Bezos-owned Washington Post.

Who else is involved

The consortium reportedly also includes Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and Amit Bhatia, who recently stepped down from his ownership stake in Queens Park Rangers — a move seen as consistent with football association rules barring substantial interests in more than one club. Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan has ruled out a full sale of the club for now, though experts suggest a successful minority investment could eventually pave the way for a larger takeover bid.