Liverpool, official agreement: Jeff Bezos joins the club with a minority stake

After the previews of recent days, official confirmation has arrived: Liverpool has opened its doors to a new group of investors which also includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Fenway Sports Group (FSG), owner of the English club, has reached a definitive agreement for the sale of a strategic minority stake, equal to approximately 30% of the capital, to the 1892 Holdings consortium, which also includes Bezos among its shareholders.

The operation values ​​Liverpool at around 5.5 billion pounds (over six billion euros) and involves an investment of more than two billion euros. The consortium is led by the Anglo-Indian entrepreneur Amit Bhatia and includes, in addition to Bezos, Eduardo Saverin, co-founder of Facebook, and the family trusts of the Mittal family. Bezos participates through K5 Sports, of which he is the main investor, but will not join Liverpool's board of directors. Bhatia, former manager and co-owner of Queens Park Rangers, will instead become vice-president of the club and will be part of the extended board. Bryan Baum, of K5 Sports, and Elaine Saverin will also join the board. The operation remains subject to the necessary regulatory authorizations. FSG will retain majority ownership and operational control of Liverpool.

The American company, which bought the club in 2010 for around £300 million, described the deal as a strategic partnership intended to support the Reds' international growth and long-term objectives. The entry of the new investors, underlines the ownership group, will not lead to immediate changes in sports management nor a new budget for the market. The deal represents Bezos' first major foray into the world of football.