FSG confirm Liverpool sale talks as billionaire family eyes deal after resignation

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Liverpool's owners have confirmed that a consortium of investors, spearheaded by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia, have made an approach regarding a stake in the club. It is understood the group has the backing of the Mittal family, whose fortune was most recently estimated at more than £26billion by Forbes.

No deal is currently in place and discussions remain at a preliminary stage, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. Bhatia was confirmed on Tuesday to have stepped down from his role as co-owner of Queens Park Rangers, with the London outfit announcing his exit on its official website.

Bhatia is the son-in-law of Lakshmi Mittal, who heads up ArcelorMittal, the globe's biggest steel and mining firm, and Fenway Sports Group confirmed that active talks are underway over what has been characterised as a "significant minority stake".

Our sister title the Liverpool ECHO understand the discussions are being treated as comparable to the deal struck with Dynasty Equity in 2023, which was valued at between £82m and £164m. An FSG statement provided to the ECHO said: "An investment consortium led, managed and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club."

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Mr Bhatia has thus far refused to comment on the developments but made public his decision to resign from QPR on Tuesday, having joined the club at Loftus Road almost two decades ago. Bhatia said: "Since joining the club in 2007, QPR has been a deeply important part of my life, and of my family's life. Over nearly two decades we have shared promotions, relegations, unforgettable highs and painful lows, and the memories we have made at Loftus Road alongside the supporters will stay with us forever.

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"Being part of QPR has shaped me in many ways. It has taught me about resilience, responsibility and the importance of stewardship. I am especially proud of the work of QPR in the Community Trust, which reflects the best of the club and the extraordinary role it plays in the local community.

"I step back from my formal responsibilities with pride, gratitude and affection. I want to thank the players, managers, staff, the Community Trust, my fellow board members and, above all, the fans, who have made me and my family feel part of the QPR family for so many years.

"I am grateful to my dear friend Ruben and his family for their friendship and partnership, as I am to Richard, Lee, Christian and everyone continuing to work on behalf of the club. QPR will always have a very special place in my heart."

FSG snapped up Liverpool for £300m back in October 2010. More than 15 years on, the 20-time Premier League champions have been valued at £5.2 billion by the prestigious American financial publication Forbes.

Earlier this year, the club recorded revenues exceeding £700m for the first time in their history.

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