Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has been approached to join a consortium that is in talks to buy a stake in Liverpool.
Sky News has revealed that Bezos has held discussions about joining a syndicate of investors led by former Queens Park Rangers co-owner Amit Bhatia, the son-in-law of billionaire steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal.
A source cautioned that he was not certain to proceed with an investment in Liverpool FC.
The Amazon and Blue Origin tycoon, who also owns the Washington Post, is estimated by Forbes magazine to boast a fortune worth almost $257bn, making him the world’s fourth-richest man.
He has reportedly explored bids in the past for the Seattle Seahawks, this year’s Super Bowl winners, and the Washington Commanders, another NFL team, although he did not proceed with either deal.
If Bezos proceeds with an investment in Liverpool, it would still be a surprise, despite the apparently relentless influx of American money into the top flight of English football.
About half of the 20 Premier League clubs are owned by predominantly US-based investors, although one of those – Crystal Palace – is currently exploring a sale.
Others with US owners include newly crowned champions Arsenal, while Manchester United remains controlled by the Glazer family, alongside the INEOS Group founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The investment group – led by Bhatia and backed by the Mittal family – have hired advisors to work on a potential deal with current Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG).
FSG is a US-based company controlled by John Henry. The group bought the club for ยฃ300m in 2010 and also owns baseball team the Boston Red Sox.
According to the Financial Times, a deal with the consortium led by Bhatia would value Liverpool at more than $6bn (ยฃ4.5bn).
Bhatia was QPR’s co-owner until July 21, when he transferred his share of the club to Ruben Gnanalingam to pave the way for his consortium’s prospective investment in Liverpool.
An FSG spokesperson confirmed the talks to Sky Sports News, adding: “An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club.”
Sky Sports News understands that any investment from Bhatia would be similar to a deal struck with Dynasty Equity in 2023.
FSG sold a small stake in the club to the US private equity firm for ยฃ164m, with the money raised to pay down debt and help finance capital expenditure.
US private equity firm Dynasty Equity spent up to $200m (ยฃ149m) buying a stake and is a passive investor.
The investment was not used to fund future transfers.