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The investment group that recently bought into Liverpool has reportedly secured options to become majority shareholders or even complete a full 100% acquisition of the club.
1892 Holdings, led by Amit Bhatia and backed significantly by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, among other investors, acquired a 38% stake in the club under an agreement that left the possibility of a majority takeover open for the future.
Now, however, The Athletic has reported that the agreement could allow 1892 Holdings to increase their shareholding to either 69% or potentially all the way to 100% within 12 months of the group's entry at Anfield.
Either scenario would hand 1892 Holdings majority control of Liverpool, though it remains uncertain whether such a move will ultimately be pursued.
The Extra Deal That Could Impact Liverpool's Future
Liverpool's current majority owners, Fenway Sports Group, have long been seeking to expand an investment portfolio that already includes controlling stakes in the Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Among the group's ambitions, according to The Athletic, is a potential investment in Formula 1 outfit Cadillac, currently owned by Mark Walter. Walter has faced serious allegations of financial misconduct and has been divesting several high-value assets, including selling the Los Angeles Lakers for $12.5 billion before departing Chelsea's ownership group alongside Todd Boehly in September.
Walter is said to be seeking around $3 billion for his stake, with FSG among several parties approached regarding a potential transaction.
What this deal would ultimately mean for Liverpool, if it proceeds at all, remains unclear, though the sheer scale of the potential Cadillac investment could have notable consequences.
By incorporating a clause that would allow 1892 Holdings to assume complete control of Liverpool, FSG appear to be contemplating a future without the Reds. The group purchased Liverpool in October 2010 for roughly $343 million, with the club now reportedly valued at close to $8 billion following years of success under their stewardship.
1892 Holdings secured their 38% share of the club earlier this year for just over $2.6 billion, pending approval from the Independent Football Regulator.
The enthusiasm sparked by the new investment has already been felt at Anfield. Unsettled midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who had previously expressed frustration over the club's failure to offer him a new contract, recently hinted that the additional financial resources now available could prompt a positive change of course.