Liverpool owner FSG in talks to sell minority stake to former QPR co-owner Amit Bhatia | OneFootball

A consortium led by British-Indian millionaire Amit Bhatia, formerly a co-owner of QPR, has expressed interest in acquiring a minority stake in Liverpool Football Club.

Owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) confirmed they had been approached regarding the potential investment.

This development coincides with Bhatia's departure from the QPR board, concluding an 18-year involvement, after agreeing to transfer his shares to majority owner Ruben Gnanalingam.

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.”

No deal has been agreed with discussions at an early stage.

open image in gallery

Amit Bhatia has expressed an interest in acquiring a minority stake in Liverpool (Getty)

In 2023, FSG sold a minority stake in Liverpool to investment firm Dynasty and any deal with Bhatia, should it proceed, is expected to be along similar lines.

FSG, which also owns the Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Penguins, bought Liverpool in 2010 for £300million. Forbes recently valued the club at £4.6billion.

On Tuesday, Bhatia announced he was leaving his role at QPR. He served as vice-chairman before becoming chairman in 2018, a role he held for five years.

In quotes on the QPR website, the 46-year-old said: “Since joining the club in 2007, QPR has been a deeply important part of my life and of my family’s life.

open image in gallery

Tom Werner, Chairman of Liverpool, Michael Gordon, President of Fenway Sports Group and John Henry, Principle Owner of Liverpool and his wife Linda Pizzuti (Getty)

“Over nearly two decades we have shared promotions, relegations, unforgettable highs and painful lows, and the memories we have made at Loftus Road alongside the supporters will stay with us forever.

“I step back from my formal responsibilities with pride, gratitude and affection. I want to thank the players, managers, staff, the community trust, my fellow board members and, above all, the fans, who have made me and my family feel part of the QPR family for so many years.”

“QPR will always have a very special place in my heart,” he added.

Bhatia is the son-in-law of Lakshimi Mittal, executive of steel and mining company ArcelorMittal. Forbes has recently valued Mittal’s fortune at £23.2billion.

In May of this year, Mittal partnered with Adal Poonawalla to buy a controlling stake in the Indian Premier League team Rajasthan Royals.