Jeff Bezos-backed consortium could take control of Liverpool within 12 months | OneFootball

Liverpool’s new minority investors reportedly have an option to purchase a controlling stake in the club from Fenway Sports Group (FSG) within the next 12 months.

FSG announced on Friday that it had reached a definitive agreement to sell a minority shareholding to 1892 Holdings, the consortium led by former Queens Park Rangers co-owner Amit Bhatia.

The group includes the Mittal Family Trusts, Elaine and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin’s family office EE Capital and K5 Sports. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is the lead investor in the latter fund.

The initial investment represents approximately 30 percent to one-third of Liverpool, although the exact size of the stake has not been officially disclosed.

However, The Athletic claims the agreement contains a mechanism allowing 1892 Holdings to potentially acquire a controlling stake during the next 12 months.

Sources on both sides have stressed that the provision is an option rather than a commitment to another transaction, meaning there is currently no guarantee that FSG will surrender control.

The existing ownership structure remains in place, with FSG confirming that it will retain majority ownership and operational control when the minority investment is completed.

The deal is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

Bhatia is expected to become Liverpool vice-chairman, while Elaine Saverin and K5 Sports’ Bryan Baum will also join the board. Bezos will not take a seat.

The arrangement nevertheless creates an intriguing potential route towards the biggest ownership change at Anfield since FSG purchased Liverpool in 2010.

FSG’s tenure has included significant investment in the club’s infrastructure, including the Anfield Road Stand expansion, which increased the stadium’s capacity beyond 61,000, and the repurchase and redevelopment of Melwood for Liverpool Women.

The owners have also overseen Liverpool’s return to the summit of English and European football while operating predominantly through a self-sustaining financial model.

FSG president Mike Gordon said the new investors shared the organisation’s ‘long-term philosophy’ and would complement the foundations already established at Liverpool.

Bhatia said 1892 Holdings believes strongly in Liverpool’s leadership and intends to support the club’s continued success.

There is consequently no confirmation that FSG’s 16-year ownership is approaching its conclusion.

However, the option in the deal means Friday’s minority investment could eventually prove considerably more significant than simply bringing several wealthy new shareholders into Liverpool.