Liverpool fans express fears over Jeff Bezos stake in club

A consortium led by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is reported to have acquired nearly 40 percent of Premier League club Liverpool, according to the Athletic. The Athletic initially suggested that 1892 Holdings had bought a third of the club from Fenway Sports Group, but the actual stake is closer to 38 percent. There is also a potential for the consortium to gain control of Liverpool within the next year, though this does not require a formal commitment.

FSG, a British sports investment firm, confirmed the deal with 1892 Holdings, a group led by British-Indian millionaire Amit Bhatia, as well as Bezos and Eduardo Saverin, co-founder of Facebook. Bezos, the world's fourth-richest person with an estimated net worth of $256 billion, made his first sports team investment after previously being linked with the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders in the NFL.

Bhatia, son-in-law of Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, previously co-owned QPR for 18 years before selling his stake in Liverpool. FSG bought Liverpool for £300 million ($406 million) in 2010 and sold a minority share of around 3 percent to Dynasty Equity three years ago. Liverpool's Premier League season begins against Newcastle on Sunday as they aim to recover from a disappointing fifth-place finish last season, which led to manager Arne Slot's dismissal just 12 months after securing a title victory.

With several weeks left until the Premier League transfer window closes, the new investment may provide a boost to Reds manager Andoni Iraola as he seeks to strengthen his squad for the upcoming season. Since the end of last term, Liverpool has spent approximately £94 million on signings Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz.