What potential Bezos deal would mean for Liverpool
Why investment by a group including Jeff Bezos would not make a marked difference to Liverpool's spending power - and might sit uneasily with fans.
Billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the fourth-richest man in the world, is reportedly in advanced talks to purchase a 30% stake in Liverpool Football Club. The potential deal, which could value the club at £4.5bn, has raised cautious optimism among fans who are wary of the club's history with high-profile investors like Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
With FSG, the club's owners, having invested heavily in the club since 2010, a 30% stake would mean a significant financial return. FSG's total investment since their £300m purchase in 2010 is estimated at £518m, and selling a 30% stake would yield around £1.4bn for the consortium. This deal has proven beneficial for FSG, as they have increased Liverpool's value 13-fold since their acquisition, while retaining control of the club.
The investment would likely involve a share sale, with no direct financial impact on the club itself, as transfer fees are determined by commercial income rather than the owner's wealth. However, the Premier League's Squad Cost Ratio regulations mean that spending on transfers will remain limited, regardless of the investment.
Bezos, who stepped down as Amazon's CEO five years ago, remains one of the company's largest shareholders and has been linked with sports investment before. His involvement in Liverpool, if successful, would represent a small but prestigious investment, as the club boasts one of the largest fan bases in the United States.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport Football's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
