The story surrounding Liverpool’s ownership has just taken another fascinating turn.
Fenway Sports Group have officially agreed to sell around a third of Liverpool to the consortium 1892 Holdings, but a new report from CNBC claims the deal could contain an option allowing the investment group to become majority owners of Liverpool within the next 12 months.
According to CNBC, the option could allow the consortium to acquire a controlling stake at a valuation of around $8 billion (£5.9bn).
That would completely change the picture at Anfield.
From minority investors to majority owners?
When today’s deal was announced, the message was clear: FSG remain majority owners and retain operational control.
The new investment is worth more than £1.5bn and values Liverpool at more than £5bn.
But if CNBC’s report is accurate, there could already be a pathway for that to change.
The reported option would give the consortium the opportunity to increase its stake and become the controlling shareholder within a year.
That means today’s announcement could potentially be the beginning of a much bigger change at Liverpool.
And Jeff Bezos is involved
This is where the story becomes even more extraordinary.
The consortium includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and Amit Bhatia, who is set to become Liverpool’s vice-chairman.
Bezos himself will not initially sit on Liverpool’s board, with Bryan Baum representing his K5 Sports investment on the board.
But Bezos’ enormous financial resources mean his involvement shouldn’t be dismissed.
If the consortium ultimately exercises an option to take control, Liverpool could potentially have one of the richest individuals in the world behind the club.
What would an $8bn valuation mean?
A valuation of around $8bn (£5.9bn) would make Liverpool one of the most valuable football clubs on the planet.
And it would represent an incredible transformation from where Liverpool were when FSG bought the club in 2010 for around £300m.
FSG have overseen enormous growth in the club’s commercial revenues, infrastructure and sporting success, while Liverpool recently reported record revenue of £703m.
The proposed valuation shows just how valuable Liverpool have become as a global sporting brand.
Would it mean Liverpool suddenly spend billions?
This is where supporters need to be careful.
No.
Even if Bezos and the consortium eventually become majority owners, that doesn’t mean Liverpool can simply spend unlimited amounts on transfers.
Premier League financial regulations still apply, and Liverpool’s transfer spending is heavily linked to the club’s revenues.
Today’s investment has also been reported as having no separate transfer budget attached to it.
So I wouldn’t expect a Bezos takeover to suddenly mean £500m transfer windows.
But increased investment in infrastructure, commercial operations, technology and global expansion could potentially help Liverpool generate even more revenue over time.
Could FSG really sell?
This is perhaps the biggest question.
FSG have repeatedly indicated that they are committed to Liverpool and today’s deal initially leaves them firmly in control.
But if the consortium has an option to become majority shareholders, it suggests that the door to a change of control may be considerably more open than supporters initially thought.
And if the new partnership works well over the next 12 months, perhaps FSG could decide that handing over control is the right move.
Or perhaps they won’t.
We simply don’t know yet.
This could be a huge moment in Liverpool’s history
Liverpool supporters have every right to be cautious.
The club’s ownership is incredibly important, and the memories of the Hicks and Gillett era mean fans will naturally scrutinise any potential change.
There are already questions about what the new investors want from Liverpool and how much influence they will ultimately have.
But if CNBC is correct, those questions could become even more important over the next year.
Because this may not simply be about Jeff Bezos buying a 30% stake in Liverpool.
It could potentially be about Jeff Bezos and his consortium positioning themselves to take control of Liverpool Football Club.
From FSG to Bezos?
Imagine saying that 12 months ago.
It would have sounded ridiculous.
Yet here we are.
FSG remain in control today.
But if this reported option is genuine, Liverpool’s ownership structure could look very different by August 2027.
A minority investment today.
A potential majority takeover tomorrow.
And a reported $8bn valuation attached to it.
The Liverpool ownership story has just become a whole lot more interesting.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
This deal has NOTHING to do with Liverpool spending on players. Get that straight in your head. It has all to do with commercial money making and advertising for merchandise. There is no money coming for player trading!