Businessman Amit Bhatia is leading this investment. The 46-year-old British-Indian entrepreneur recently stepped down from his leadership position at Queens Park Rangers (QPR) after nearly two decades. QPR even named a stand at Loftus Road stadium after Bhatia.

Bhatia is also the son-in-law of Lakshmi Mittal, the Indian steel magnate, who ranks 65th on the world's richest list with an estimated net worth of 33.5 billion USD.

The investment group includes Eduardo Saverin, Facebook co-founder and Mark Zuckerberg's Harvard classmate, with an estimated net worth of 33.1 billion USD.

Jeff Bezos speaks at the Vivatech fair in Paris, France on 17/6. Photo: AP

With an estimated net worth of 279.99 billion USD according to Forbes, Bezos is the most prominent figure in the investment group. He no longer serves as CEO but remains the executive chairman of Amazon.

This would mark Bezos's first investment in a sports club if the deal succeeds. He previously showed interest in acquiring the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders, two American football (NFL) teams, but ultimately withdrew from those transactions.

Bezos's group is reportedly aiming to purchase 30% of Liverpool shares from Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the American conglomerate that owns the club. According to the British newspaper Sportmail, three weeks ago, the group demonstrated seriousness and confidence in completing the transaction. Negotiations are progressing smoothly and could receive approval as early as next week.

Liverpool is currently one of 11 Premier League clubs owned by American investors. This list also includes other "Big 6" members such as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Man Utd.

While Bezos's involvement may generate high expectations among fans, Liverpool will not directly access an unlimited source of funds. The money from the transaction will go to FSG, rather than directly supplementing the club's operating budget.

Furthermore, the Premier League has implemented new financial fair play rules, including a "squad cost ratio" regulation. Under this, clubs are permitted to spend a certain percentage based on football-related revenue and profits or losses from player transfers.

This ratio is approximately 85%, but it can decrease to 70% for clubs participating in European competitions, which Liverpool regularly does.

Liverpool's American owner John W. Henry (right) and his wife Linda Puzzuti in the stands during the Liverpool vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool, northwest England, on 19/5/2024. Photo: AFP

However, if Liverpool needs to borrow money in the future, the club's new financial standing could facilitate access to capital under favorable conditions, potentially even interest-free, thereby supporting cash flow. The presence of Bezos and Saverin could also help Liverpool gain an advantage in commercial agreements.

Some fans are concerned that selling 30% of the shares signals FSG's gradual withdrawal from Liverpool, especially since principal owner John W Henry is 76 years old. However, sources from FSG assert the opposite, stating this is an alternative method to strengthen Liverpool's position and create a foundation for continued success.

FSG, based in Boston, will retain decision-making power over day-to-day matters at Liverpool despite selling 30% of the shares. Mike Gordon is also expected to continue playing a more direct role after Michael Edwards' departure from the club.

When contacted for comment, FSG referred to a previous statement confirming that Bhatia and a group of investors had expressed interest in investing in Liverpool. Bezos was also contacted but has not yet commented.

Hong Duy (via Daily Mail)