A consortium involving Jeff Bezos has acquired a minority stake in Liverpool and will retain an option to buy a controlling stake in the future, according to The Athletic.

FSG confirmed on Friday that it had sold approximately 30% to one-third of Liverpool's shares, marking Bezos's first foray into sports club ownership.

The Amazon founder invested in 1892 Holdings through his K5 Sports fund, a consortium led and managed by Amit Bhatia.

Multiple sources close to the deal confirmed to The Athletic on condition of anonymity that the consortium has a mechanism in place that could allow them to acquire a controlling stake in the club within the next 12 months.

However, these sources emphasized that this part of the deal's terms does not constitute a commitment, but rather an option for additional investment, not a certainty.

Bhatia, a former co-owner of Queens Park Rangers, has partners in 1892 Holdings that include the family office of Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and his wife Elaine, as well as the Mittal family trust.

The former QPR executive will become Vice Chairman of Liverpool, and Elaine Saverin and Bryan Baum from K5 Sports will also join the club's board. Bezos will not hold a seat on the board. As part of the deal, FSG will remain the majority shareholder of Liverpool and retain operational control of the club. The Athletic learned from sources on Friday that there will be no changes to the Merseyside club's management or day-to-day operations.

FSG's statement released on Friday read: "This strategic investment brings together experts from the global business, technology, and investment sectors to support Liverpool Football Club's long-term growth objectives."

"The consortium partners will work with FSG and the club's management team to evaluate opportunities to enhance the club's on-field and off-field objectives. FSG will retain a majority stake and operational control of Liverpool Football Club."

In the same statement, Bhatia, speaking on behalf of 1892 Holdings, said: "We are incredibly proud to invest in Liverpool Football Club and to complete this investment with FSG. We have tremendous respect and admiration for everything FSG has achieved as owners and for all their efforts at Anfield."

"It is a tremendous privilege to join such a club as partners. We made this investment because we deeply believe in Liverpool and its management, and we look forward to supporting the club's continued success for many years to come."

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