‘Change is inevitable’ – Liverpool CEO on FSG, Iraola and consortium talks
Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan has spoken to BBC Sport in New York ahead of the club's pre-season friendly against Wrexham at Yankee Stadium, addressing the ongoing talks over a minority investment in the club and describing the past year as "super difficult" for various reasons. Hogan confirmed a consortium led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in a strategic minority stake, but stressed this does not signal Fenway Sports Group (FSG) stepping back from its ownership, insisting the club still has "huge opportunity" for growth under the Premier League's continued momentum.
According to the Financial Times, a deal with the Bhatia-led consortium would value Liverpool at more than £4.5bn, with FSG having bought the club for £300m in 2010. Hogan pointed to the club's finances as evidence of progress, noting Liverpool finished fifth in the Deloitte Football Money League with the highest revenue in the Premier League at £702m, all of which is reinvested. The comments come amid a summer of significant change at Anfield, following a record £450m spend last season that preceded a disappointing campaign, the sacking of manager Arne Slot, the free-transfer departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, and Michael Edwards stepping back from his role, with Andoni Iraola now leading the side into pre-season fixtures against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds.
- Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan discusses club investment and recent upheaval
- Consortium led by Amit Bhatia in talks for minority stake, valuing club at £4.5bn+
- Comes after disappointing season, Slot's sacking and major player departures
New here? Start with this
Liverpool Football Club is owned by American company Fenway Sports Group, which purchased the club in 2010 for £300 million. The club is now valued at over £4.5 billion, and it has become one of the Premier League's most profitable teams, with annual revenues of £702 million.
A consortium led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia has proposed investing in Liverpool by acquiring a minority stake, meaning Bhatia's group would own a smaller portion while Fenway Sports Group maintains overall control. The deal would bring additional capital and strategic input to the club's management structure.
Liverpool has faced significant changes in recent months, including disappointing sporting results, a managerial change, and departures of several established players. The investment discussions are part of how the club's leadership is navigating this period of transition whilst pursuing further growth.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A minority investment could give Liverpool fresh capital and strategic support while allowing FSG to retain control and pursue the club’s growth. Supporters of the approach may point to Liverpool’s high revenues and past investment as evidence that the owners can build on the club’s commercial momentum, while bringing in a partner need not amount to a retreat from ownership.
The case against
Supporters may worry that outside investment risks putting financial returns ahead of the club’s sporting ambitions and long-term identity. Given the recent disappointing season, major departures and leadership changes, they may argue that Liverpool needs clear, sustained commitment from its owners and that a high valuation or strong revenues do not by themselves guarantee resources will be directed towards success on the pitch.