Liverpool supporters demand answers as Bezos consortium nears stake purchase
Supporters' group Spirit of Shankly has asked Liverpool for a meeting after reports that a Jeff Bezos-backed consortium is close to buying a significant stake in the club.
Liverpool supporters' group Spirit of Shankly has written to the club demanding clarity and a meeting after Sky News reported that a consortium including Jeff Bezos is closing in on a deal to acquire roughly a third of the Premier League champions.
The investor group is led by Amit Bhatia, son-in-law of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, and also includes Eduardo Saverin, co-founder of Facebook. Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool's current owners, confirmed in July that they had received an approach from Bhatia's consortium. Monday's report suggests an announcement could arrive as early as this week.
Spirit of Shankly said the reported 30 per cent sale is "significant" and warned that similar transactions at other clubs have led to "notable changes in the running of that club and football operations, leading to decisions and behaviours that many would not want to see at Liverpool."
The group emphasised that ownership and custodianship remain "paramount" to supporters, reflecting wider anxiety among fanbases about the influence of passive financial investors on sporting decisions.
Bezos, 62, has a fortune estimated by Forbes at more than $280 billion. He has previously explored bids for the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders but ultimately decided against pursuing either deal. Saverin's wealth is put at $33 billion.
FSG, which also owns the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Penguins, has not commented on the latest timeline. The American ownership group has faced periodic pressure from sections of the Liverpool support since taking control in 2010, particularly over ticket pricing and the failed European Super League venture in 2021.
The ownership speculation arrives at an unsettled time for the club. Liverpool won the Premier League title in the 2024/25 season under Arne Slot, but the Dutchman was sacked in May after what the club described as a turbulent campaign. Andoni Iraola has since been appointed as head coach, tasked with defending the title and navigating the transition in the boardroom.
Any deal would likely see FSG retain majority control while bringing in substantial new capital. For supporters, the immediate priority is ensuring that the club's competitive model and community values survive the infusion of outside money.