Liverpool’s new minority investors reportedly have an option to purchase a controlling stake in the club from Fenway Sports Group within the next 12 months.
The group includes the Mittal Family Trusts, Elaine and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin’s family office EE Capital and K5 Sports, with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos the lead investor in the latter fund.
Reports suggest the initial investment represents approximately 30 per cent to one-third of Liverpool, although the exact size of the stake has not officially been disclosed.
However, The Athletic now reports that 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.
For the immediate future, the existing ownership structure remains in place, with FSG confirming that it will retain majority ownership and operational control once the minority investment is completed.
The deal itself remains 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, although Bezos himself 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 similarly 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 reported option means Friday’s minority investment could eventually prove considerably more significant than simply bringing several wealthy new shareholders into Liverpool.
Should 1892 Holdings exercise the mechanism and an agreement ultimately be completed, the consortium containing Bezos, Bhatia, the Saverins and Mittal interests could move from FSG’s minority partner to the controlling force at Anfield within a relatively short period.