Bhatia consortium in advanced talks for Liverpool minority stake
Potential transaction would value the Premier League club at over $6bn, following recent divestment precedent set by Dynasty deal.
Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has confirmed that a consortium led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia is in discussions to acquire a minority stake in Liverpool Football Club. The owners of the Premier League side acknowledged the talks but emphasised that no agreement has been finalised, leaving the future of the potential investment uncertain.
The proposed transaction represents a significant valuation for the club. According to the Financial Times, a completed deal would value Liverpool at more than $6bn (£4.5bn). This figure underscores the commercial weight of the asset, which FSG originally purchased in 2010 for £300m when the club was facing administration.
Bhatia, a 46-year-old former investment banker who worked for Morgan Stanley on Wall Street, brings substantial private equity and real estate experience to the table. He is the son-in-law of Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, whose net worth is estimated at over $30bn (£22bn). Bhatia’s recent departure from Queens Park Rangers, where he served as a director and co-owner for 18 seasons, coincides with his emergence as a key figure in this prospective deal.
The interest from Bhatia’s consortium follows a similar structural shift in FSG’s ownership model. In 2023, the group sold a minority stake to global sports investment firm Dynasty for between £82m and £164m. That precedent suggests FSG is open to strategic minority investments that bring capital and governance expertise without relinquishing control.
Bhatia’s profile includes roles in construction, real estate, and private equity, as well as a position on the advisory board of the Saudi Arabian government’s cultural affairs and international relations unit. His personal history is closely tied to the Mittal family, having married Vanisha Mittal in 2004 in a ceremony recognised by Guinness World Records as the most expensive ever held.
Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League last season, a result that has intensified scrutiny on the club’s strategic direction. While the specific size of the minority stake being sought by Bhatia’s group has not been disclosed, the confirmation of talks marks a pivotal moment in the club’s commercial landscape.
The deal remains subject to negotiation, and it is unclear when or if an agreement will be reached. FSG has not provided further details on the timeline or the extent of the consortium’s proposed involvement in the club’s operations.
