Jeff Bezos's consortium has reached a £3.5 billion deal to buy a 30% stake in Liverpool Football Club, according to reports.
A spokesperson for Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), has yet to confirm the deal, but football finance expert Kieran Maguire told BBC Sport that it would be a "great deal" for FSG. "They generate more than £1bn from the deal and still keep control – this represents the best of both worlds," Maguire said.
Liverpool's value has increased significantly since FSG bought the club for £300m in 2010. The club is now worth £4.5bn, with FSG set to receive £1.35bn from the proposed sale. Maguire added that this follows the approach of City Football Group, which has let in minority investors to recoup the original purchase price and more.
The deal would give Bezos a slice of one of the most iconic global sports brands for a small fraction of his fortune. Bezos, who is worth around £190bn, has been linked with sports investment for some time, but usually in American sports franchises.
The consortium involved in the deal also includes Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, who is reported to be worth £23.7bn, and Amit Bhatia, a former director and co-owner of Queens Park Rangers.
Liverpool's owners, FSG, have suggested that there is no prospect of a full sale of the club, but Maguire believes that could change if the initial investment goes well.
The deal would be a significant investment in the English Premier League, which has seen a surge of US investment in recent years. Eleven of the 20 teams in the league have majority control from America.
The deal is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, but no official confirmation has been made.
It remains to be seen how the deal will affect Liverpool's transfer policy, with Maguire stating that funds to spend on transfers are directly related to income generated via commercial activities rather than an owner's wealth.
Source: Yahoo Sports