Amit Bhatia will make his first Anfield appearance this weekend, according to reports, with the businessman leading the investment in Liverpool that went through earlier this month
Amit Bhatia during Queens Park Rangers vs Leicester in March 2011.
Amit Bhatia during Queens Park Rangers vs Leicester in March 2011.(Image: Warren Little/Getty Images)
Amit Bhatia, who led the consortium that has invested in Liverpool FC recently, will make his first appearance at Anfield on Saturday as the Reds take on Nottingham Forest.
According to the BBC, Bhatia is set to be in attendance as the Reds face Oliver Glasner's side in the Premier League. The group, which also includes the Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has taken a 40 per cent stake, with FSG retaining a controlling majority.
John W Henry, the principal Liverpool owner, is said to have invited Bhatia to the game. The 46-year-old former QPR co-owner is likely to be the most visible person involved in the minority investment.
Bhatia is set to take a place on the Liverpool board. He was the man to bring the likes of Bezos and the Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin together to invest.
"We are incredibly proud to be investing in Liverpool Football Club and to be doing so alongside FSG," Bhatia said when FSG confirmed the deal involving 1892 Holdings.
"We have the utmost respect and admiration for FSG as owners and for everything they have achieved at Anfield.
Amit Bhatia is set to become Liverpool's new vice-chairman
Amit Bhatia is set to become Liverpool's new vice-chairman (Image: Andrew Fosker/REX/Shutterstock)
"To be welcomed as a partner in a club of this stature is a huge privilege.
"We are making this investment because we believe deeply in Liverpool and its leadership, and we look forward to supporting the club's continued success for years to come."
Mike Gordon, the FSG president, added: "Liverpool has always been built by thinking beyond one season and making decisions with the club’s long-term interests in mind.
"That approach continues to attract interest from respected investors and business leaders around the world.
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"As we considered this opportunity, it became clear that Amit and the consortium shared our long-term philosophy and appreciation for what makes Liverpool special.
"Their experience and perspective will complement the strong foundation already in place, and we look forward to working together."
Liverpool.com says: Bhatia will need to engage with fans, but those at QPR have positive things to say about him on that front. Until he starts to make certain decisions or have an influence, there won't be anything to judge him on.
In the future, it is possible that the minority investment becomes something larger. For now, though, there are many unknowns.