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Queens Park Rangers' (QPR) fan reactions to Amit Bhatia leaving the ownership group have given Liverpool fans a glimpse into who Bhatia might be.
The 46-year-old Bhatia is leading a consortium eyeing a minority stake in Liverpool, having recently transferred his stake in QPR to the majority owner, Ruben Gnanalingam, ending an almost 20-year involvement with the club. The stake would value Liverpool at roughly $6 billion, compared to Chelsea being sold for $3.3 billion, and Manchester United selling a minority stake for $6.3 billion.
With Bhatia leaving, fans took to social media to express their sadness that he would be moving on, as Fenway Sports Group continues to explore all avenues regarding a sale.
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On X, QPR posted a tribute to Bhatia, with the post reading: "Thank you, Amit. After 18 seasons as a director and co-owner of QPR, Amit Bhatia has agreed to transfer his ownership in the club to majority owner Ruben Gnanalingam and will be stepping down from the board."
In response to the news, fans were quick to express their thanks for what he had done for the club, even though they believed he would be moving on to Liverpool in the coming months.
"He’s trying to buy another club, so it’s completely out of our hands," a fan wrote on X. "He’s a very likeable chap, seems to have had very little involvement in recent years, and wish him the best of luck."
Another fan added: "Sad to see him go, always felt like he was a good guy trying his best for the club but things didn't work out. Wonder how different QPR would be if Flavio had sold to him rather than Fernandes back in 2011. Good luck to him though and sure he'll still be back to watch games."
A third posted that their day had been sullied upon hearing the news. "Genuinely cared about the football club, this is not a good day but thank you for everything. All the best Amit!" the fan's message read.
Another commenter had a more optomistic view on the move, believing it could potentially benefit QPR in the future.
"Sad news, feel he was the voice of reason in the boardroom for many a year, and always came across as very likeable," the comment began.
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"Hopefully if he is successful buying Liverpool we can form a link and be their go-to club for their better youngsters, it concluded, with a fingers-crossed emoji.
For now, it remains to be seen just what will happen with the club as it continues its talks with potential investors over a sale of a significant minority stake.
FT originally reported that a consortium of investors, led by Bhatia and backed by the Mittal family, are moving to pursue part of the club.
"An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club," the club's statement to the outlet read.
