Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool’s current owners, confirmed that talks are ongoing with a group led by businessman Amit Bhatia, who is known in English football for his long-term involvement with Queens Park Rangers. Bhatia has stepped down from QPR’s board and now appears focused on a fresh major move.
The talks began about three months ago and center around a 30% stake in the club. That would bring the overall club valuation to £4.5 billion, a sharp rise from the £300 million FSG paid in 2010. If the deal goes through, Liverpool would become one of the most expensive clubs in the world.
Bhatia’s group is supported by Lakshmi Mittal, a billionaire industrialist with an estimated fortune of £23 billion. Mittal’s backing ensures the deal has the financial backing needed to move forward. Both men have a long-standing personal and business relationship.
The interest in Liverpool comes amid a rising market for elite English clubs. The 2022 takeover of Chelsea and the recent stake in Manchester United by Sir Jim Ratcliffe show the appetite for ownership stakes in top-tier teams. Though some see the £4.5 billion valuation as optimistic, others argue it's in line with recent market activity.
Liverpool are in the U.S. for their pre-season tour, with a friendly against Sunderland coming up in Nashville. The club’s on-field success, financial growth and global fanbase are key reasons why investors like Bhatia are looking to get a foothold in the club.