Liverpool owner confirms talks with Amit Bhatia over minority stake

Fenway Sports Group has confirmed talks with British-Indian investor Amit Bhatia over a possible minority investment in Liverpool Football Club, AFP reported. The approach could bring new outside capital into one of England’s most valuable football teams, with the Financial Times reporting that a potential offer may value the club at more than $6bn.

An FSG spokesperson told AFP that “an investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia” had shown interest in a strategic minority stake in the Premier League club. The discussions are at an early stage, and AFP reported that no agreement has been reached.

Bhatia is the son-in-law of Indian steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, according to AFP. He is leading the consortium seeking to buy into Liverpool, which AFP described as 20-time English champions.

Bhatia exits QPR role

Bhatia’s interest in Liverpool emerged on the same day he stepped down from his positions as a director and co-owner of Queens Park Rangers, AFP reported. QPR play in England’s second-tier Championship.

According to AFP, Bhatia spent 18 seasons with the west London club and will transfer his ownership stake to majority owner Ruben Gnanalingam. In a statement reported by AFP, Bhatia said he was leaving his formal duties with “pride, gratitude and affection” and thanked QPR’s players, managers, staff, community trust, board members and supporters.

The timing of his QPR departure comes as his consortium explores a move for a stake in Liverpool. AFP did not report that the QPR exit completes or guarantees any Liverpool transaction.

FSG has sold minority equity before

FSG, based in the United States, bought Liverpool in 2010 for 300 million British pounds, or about $400m, according to AFP. The group has retained control of the club while bringing in minority investment in recent years.

In 2023, FSG sold a minority stake in Liverpool to global sports investment firm Dynasty, AFP reported. Reports at the time valued that transaction at between $100m and $200m.

AFP reported that any investment from Bhatia’s group would be aimed at strengthening Liverpool’s position for future success. The Financial Times reported that Bhatia has brought in advisers to work on the possible offer.

Liverpool remain under FSG ownership while the talks continue. AFP reported that the discussions are believed to be preliminary, leaving the size, price and structure of any potential minority investment unresolved.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.