Spirit of Shankly’s leadership has announced plans to seek clarification from Liverpool after reports emerged that Amit Bhatia’s investment group, which acquired more than a third of the club recently, holds an option to assume complete ownership within a year for £6 billion.
SOS chair Jay McKenna has also raised concerns about how 1892 Holdings – which includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin – intends to boost income at Anfield, following the club’s recent compromise on contentious ticket price proposals.
Last week it emerged that Bhatia, who departed Queens Park Rangers after almost two decades, would take the role of vice chairman, with Elaine Saverin and Bryan Baum joining Anfield’s restructured board as representatives for Saverin and Bezos respectively.
Bezos ranks as the world’s third wealthiest individual with assets estimated at £204 billion, while Saverin, who studied at Harvard and was born in Brazil, has accumulated a fortune of approximately £24 billion.
Reports suggest the stake obtained by 1892 Holdings amounts to as much as 38%, valued at roughly £1.65 billion. However, a Friday report from American outlet CNBC indicated the group could secure majority control next year, potentially setting the stage for Fenway Sports Group’s eventual exit from Anfield.
Sources close to Fenway have characterised the arrangement as adaptable without confirming whether Bhatia’s firm is positioned to assume full ownership in 12 months. Spirit of Shankly chair McKenna stated the supporters’ organisation wants direct answers.
McKenna told the ECHO that one key inquiry involves understanding whether the ownership change is guaranteed, noting they intend to put questions to FSG and the incoming investors. He explained that if the investors only hold an option rather than an assured right to complete a takeover, and the club is subsequently sold next summer, supporters deserve to know why this information was not disclosed earlier.
McKenna suggested those involved would not want perpetual speculation, particularly if supporters become dissatisfied and call for new ownership. However, he argued fans require transparency and that the club has an opportunity to set a standard. He expressed doubt that parties of this magnitude would remain satisfied with merely a minority interest, anticipating they would seek influence and describing the move as establishing an initial foothold with long-term ambitions.
Regarding FSG, while an immediate complete sale appears unlikely, McKenna indicated he could envision a scenario where their stake gradually reduces, particularly given media reports suggesting the arrangement represents more than a mere option.
On Monday, SOS invited members to share perspectives on the investment, aiming to compile questions and concerns for discussion with the club.
McKenna posed questions to supporters about their views on the development and what matters they would like addressed with the club and Bhatia. He emphasised that supporters deserve representation in these matters and expressed hope for genuine answers rather than hollow reassurances, enabling fans to form their own judgments.
He noted that the most effective way for ownership to understand supporters involves hearing directly from them about their perspectives and feelings, which can then inform successful operations.
Liverpool’s latest financial figures, released in January, showed the club surpassed £700 million in revenue for the first time – the highest of any English club – before reporting post-tax profits of £8 million in February’s accounts.
While FSG had no obligation to consult the Liverpool Supporters’ Board, established after the 2021 European Super League controversy, regarding the imminent investment, McKenna, who holds a season ticket at Anfield, believes transparent communication between the club, ownership and fan groups will benefit Liverpool as a new chapter approaches both on and off the field.
McKenna noted that when speculation first emerged, the club was contacted but offered no denial. While they could not provide extensive details at that stage, they indicated they would do so when possible, and the supporters’ group did receive advance notice. Initial discussions occurred, though no formal consultation took place regarding the rationale for selecting these investors or the implications. The club maintained that day-to-day operations would remain unchanged with only minor board adjustments.
He observed that supporters have witnessed similar situations at other clubs when wealthy investors become involved, prompting the desire for engagement and mutual understanding. McKenna stated he has previously communicated to Liverpool’s owners that fans possess a voice, which occasionally means holding them accountable and delivering unwelcome messages, though always with good intentions. He suggested this can become a valuable ally if clubs successfully cultivate supporter backing, helping investors appreciate what motivates fans and becoming a significant positive force both on the pitch and in broader operations.