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Liverpool’s new minority investors reportedly have the option to buy a controlling stake in the club from Fenway Sports Group (FSG) over the next 12 months.

The consortium includes the Mittal Family Trusts, Elaine Saverin and the family office of Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, EE Capital, along with K5 Sports. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is the lead investor in the K5 Sports fund.

The initial investment is understood to represent roughly 30 per cent to one-third of Liverpool, though the precise size of the stake has not been officially revealed.

However, The Athletic has reported that the agreement includes a mechanism under which 1892 Holdings could potentially move to acquire a controlling stake during the next 12 months.

Sources on both sides have emphasised that this provision is an option rather than a commitment to a further deal, which means there is no certainty at present that FSG will give up control.

The current ownership structure remains unchanged, with FSG confirming it will keep majority ownership and operational control once the minority investment is completed.

The transaction is still subject to regulatory approval and other standard closing conditions.

Bhatia is expected to become Liverpool vice-chairman, while Elaine Saverin and K5 Sports’ Bryan Baum are also set to join the board. Bezos will not take a seat on the board.

The structure of the deal nevertheless opens up an interesting possible path towards the biggest ownership shift at Anfield since FSG bought Liverpool in 2010.

During FSG’s time in charge, the group has made major investments in the club’s infrastructure, including the expansion of the Anfield Road Stand, which took the stadium capacity beyond 61,000, as well as the buyback and redevelopment of Melwood for Liverpool Women.

The owners have also overseen Liverpool’s return to the top of English and European football while largely operating under a self-sustaining financial model.

FSG president Mike Gordon said the new investors shared the organisation’s ‘long-term philosophy’ and would add to the foundations already put in place at Liverpool.

Bhatia said 1892 Holdings has strong belief in Liverpool’s leadership and plans to support the club’s continued success.

As a result, there is still no confirmation that FSG’s 16-year ownership of the club is nearing an end.

However, the option built into the deal means Friday’s minority investment could ultimately turn out to be far more significant than merely bringing a number of wealthy new shareholders into Liverpool.