Liverpool quickly make a big signing after Jeff Bezos invests
Liverpool are reportedly gearing up to make their first big signing once Amazon founder Jeff Bezos steps in with a huge cash boost. Bezos and his group are planning to invest £1.5 billion into the club.
Bezos, who is one of the richest people in the world with a net worth of $256 billion (£192 billion), is part of a group looking to buy a 30% share of Liverpool. This group also includes British-Indian millionaire Amit Bhatia and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin. The current owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), have already confirmed Bezos’ interest.
Last month, FSG shared a statement saying that Bhatia’s investment group is keen on making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club.
While the deal is still being finalized, head coach Andoni Iraola is focused on strengthening the team for his first season.
Both Iraola and captain Virgil van Dijk have mentioned that Liverpool still needs new players, even though they recently brought in Victor Munoz from Osasuna, Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, and Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona. Liverpool also have the option to sign Araujo permanently for £47.1 million.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola seems to have hit a snag because the club isn’t willing to meet PSG’s high £128 million asking price.
The club is also interested in Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, whom Iraola worked with before. However, Bournemouth is asking for £80 million, which Liverpool aren’t ready to pay. Scott is under contract at Bournemouth until 2028.
The transfer window closes on September 1.
After Liverpool’s 3-2 friendly loss to AS Monaco on August 9, van Dijk talked about welcoming new players like Araujo. “Any player that arrives at the club, we will welcome them,” he said. “I haven’t seen him yet, but we’ll see.”
Van Dijk also shared how he feels about working under the new manager Iraola. “We had a great chat when he was announced,” he said. “I told him I’m here to support him with anything the team needs. Hopefully, we’ll have a successful season.”
He added that he enjoyed working under the previous manager, Arne Slot, too. “That’s nothing against Arne or his staff. We had a great time last year, even though we were disappointed with the results. Now, with a new manager and new training methods, we all need to adapt. But I liked working with Arne, and I’m sure I’ll enjoy working with Iraola as well.”