Liverpool owner FSG confirms talks with investors (Image: Getty)
Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group have confirmed they have entered into negotiations over the potential sale of a stake in the club. Negotiations are taking place with a consortium led by Amit Bhatia, former co-owner of Championship side Queens Park Rangers.
The consortium is also supported by the Mittal family. Their net worth is reported to be over £26 billion.
Although talks are taking place, no agreement has yet been reached and the talks are at an early stage. However, it has been confirmed that Battia has left his role at QPR, suggesting he is preparing for a commitment to Liverpool.
Mr. Bhatia is a British-Indian businessman and the son-in-law of Lakshmi Mittal, who heads ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steel and mining company. FSG confirmed that discussions were ongoing over what it said was a “significant minority stake”.
As reported by the Liverpool ECHO, the talks are being treated as equivalent to the 2023 deal with Dynasty Equity, which was valued at between £82m and £164m.
A statement from FSG provided to the ECHO said: “An investment consortium led, managed and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club.”
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Amit Bhatia confirms he has left QPR amid negotiations with Liverpool (Image: Getty)
Battia declined to comment on the development but announced his decision to leave QPR on Tuesday, the club he joined at Loftus Road almost 20 years ago. “QPR has been a hugely important part of my life and my family’s life since I joined the club in 2007,” said Bhatia.
“For almost 20 years we have shared promotions and relegations, unforgettable highs and painful lows. The memories we made with our supporters at Loftus Road will last forever.
“Being part of QPR has shaped me in many ways. It has taught me the importance of resilience, responsibility and stewardship. I am particularly proud of QPR’s work in the Community Trust, which reflects the best of the club and the extraordinary role it plays in the local community.”
“It is with pride, gratitude and love that I step back from formal responsibilities. I would like to thank the players, managers, staff, community trust, fellow executives and most importantly the fans who have made me and my family feel part of the QPR family over the years.”
“I am grateful to my dear friend Ruben and his family for their friendship and partnership, and also to Richard, Lee, Christian and everyone who continues to work for the club. QPR will always have a special place in my heart.”
FSG bought Liverpool in October 2010 for £300m. More than 15 years later, the 20-time league champions are now valued at £5.2 billion, according to the prestigious American financial magazine Forbes.
Earlier this year, the club recorded revenue of over £700m for the first time in its history. Fenway began exploring the possibility of establishing a multi-club ownership model in 2024, but those proposals have since been put on hold, resulting in the resignation of former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards, who was appointed FSG’s CEO of football two years ago.
