Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the owners of Liverpool Football Club, are engaged in discussions regarding the sale of a minority stake in the club to a consortium led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia. This potential investment follows FSG‘s previous statements about being open to new investment opportunities for Liverpool.
The consortium, managed and represented by Amit Bhatia, has formally expressed interest in acquiring a strategic minority stake. Bhatia, who recently stepped down from his roles as director and co-owner at Queens Park Rangers (QPR) after 18 seasons, is the son-in-law of Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal. The deal, if finalised, is understood to value Liverpool at over $6bn (£4.5bn).
FSG acquired Liverpool in 2010 for £300m, at a time when the club faced potential administration. This proposed transaction could represent a significant return on their initial investment. The Boston-based investment group, which also owns the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Penguins, has previously held discussions about minority sales without reaching an agreement.
The involvement of the Mittal family, who manage assets reportedly valued at £16bn, indicates the consortium’s financial capacity to complete the transaction. Industry sources have noted that the reported £4.5bn valuation for Liverpool is higher than recent sales of other Premier League clubs of comparable size.
For instance, Chelsea was purchased for £2.5bn four years ago, though that was described as a distressed sale. Similarly, Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s acquisition of a 25% stake in Manchester United in 2024 valued that club at £3.9bn.
Amit Bhatia’s Background and Departure from QPR
Amit Bhatia, a Londoner aged 46, is a former investment banker who worked on Wall Street for Morgan Stanley before transitioning into entrepreneurship. His business ventures span construction, real estate, and private equity. He founded a construction company at the age of 32, which has grown to become the largest independent building materials business in the UK, employing more than 5,000 people. His real estate firm develops homes, student accommodation, and offices across the country.
In 2013, Bhatia received the young entrepreneur of the year award. He also serves on the advisory board for the Saudi Arabian government’s cultural affairs and international relations unit. His marriage to Vanisha Mittal Bhatia in 2004 involved a six-day ceremony in France, reportedly costing over $55m (£41m), which was recognised by Guinness World Records at the time as the most expensive ever.
His departure from QPR on Tuesday, after 19 years with the club, is seen as an indication of the seriousness of his consortium’s bid for Liverpool. Bhatia stated that QPR had been a deeply important part of his and his family’s life, expressing pride, gratitude, and affection as he stepped down from his formal responsibilities. A stand at Loftus Road, QPR‘s home ground, bears his surname.
FSG’s Ownership Strategy and Future Plans
FSG first indicated in 2022 that it would be receptive to new investment in Liverpool, considering both minority shareholders and a potential full sale. At the time, they stated that they frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders and would consider new shareholders under the right terms and conditions, if it was in the best interests of the club.
While a full sale did not materialise, FSG did sell a minority stake to global sports investment firm Dynasty in 2023. That agreement, valued between £82m and £164m, was described by FSG as instrumental in offsetting bank debt accumulated from infrastructure projects, including the redevelopments of the Main Stand, the Anfield Road end, and the club’s Kirkby training ground.
At the time of the Dynasty deal, FSG president Mike Gordon affirmed the group’s strong long-term commitment to Liverpool, aiming to strengthen the club’s financial position and sustain ambitions for continued success both on and off the pitch. Since then, FSG explored the possibility of acquiring a second club in continental Europe to expand its portfolio, following the multi-club model adopted by owners of clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City.
However, after examining potential purchases, including Spanish sides Malaga and Getafe, and French club Bordeaux, FSG did not proceed with any of these deals and is now understood to have moved away from the multi-club model. This decision reportedly led to the departure of Michael Edwards last month, who had been rehired by FSG to lead the multi-club project.
Current sporting director Richard Hughes is managing Liverpool‘s transfer strategy this summer and has a contract until summer 2027. Liverpool‘s principal owner, John W Henry, has maintained a lower public profile regarding club matters since acknowledging his role in the European Super League project in 2021.
The club is currently in the US for a pre-season tour under new head coach Andoni Iraola, with their first game scheduled against Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Leo Ashworth is a Sports News Writer at Latest News UK. He cut his teeth on regional sport before specialising in fast breaking-news writing. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Central Lancashire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Newcastle, he follows the European Tour and boxes at an amateur gym. “Get it right first, then tell readers why it matters.”