Football Presse

Liverpool "not peaked" insists Hogan as investment talks continue

·By Paul Vegas
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Liverpool "not peaked" insists Hogan as investment talks continue

Liverpool/X.com

Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan says the club remains committed to significant growth despite a "super difficult year," speaking to BBC Sport in New York ahead of a pre-season friendly against Wrexham at Yankee Stadium.

FSG confirmed last week that a consortium led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia was in talks over a strategic minority investment, reportedly seeking around a 30% stake and valuing Liverpool at more than £4.5bn. Bhatia, backed by the fortune of his father-in-law, steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, has also approached Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin about joining the consortium.

"Look, John Henry (the principal owner) and FSG have always said that if there was an interest in an investment that would help the football club, then they would consider it," Hogan said.

"At this point, I wouldn't say anything different to the statement that a consortium led, managed and represented by Amit Bhatia has come forward and expressed an interest in a minority investment."

It would not be the first outside investment FSG has attracted since buying the club for £300m in 2010: RedBird Capital, co-owned by LeBron James, took a stake in FSG itself in 2021, while Dynasty Equity bought a small single-figure stake directly in Liverpool in 2023.

Hogan, who has been with FSG since the takeover and has taken on a greater day-to-day role at the club as managing owner Mike Gordon steps back to focus on the investment talks, insisted the business remains focused on growth rather than any retreat.

"There's a huge opportunity still," he said. "This is the biggest and most popular sport in the world and we're one of the biggest clubs in the biggest league in the biggest sport in the world. We've definitely not peaked. We're in a good place to continue to grow, and that's why everyone across both sides of the club, football and business, whether they kick a ball or not, is focused on driving the club forward and winning trophies.

"We're really happy with the trajectory and direction of the club - we were fifth in the Deloitte Football Money League and had the highest revenue (£702m) in the Premier League. All of that investment, as has always been the case since 2010, goes back into the club. It's about running the club sustainably."

The club has undergone significant upheaval since a disappointing title defence led to Arne Slot's dismissal, with Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté all departing on free transfers, Michael Edwards stepping down as FSG's football CEO after multi-club ownership plans were shelved, and sporting director Richard Hughes linked with a move to Al-Hilal.

"Transition and change is inevitable in football," Hogan said. "With a new coach coming in, there's real excitement around Andoni's mindset and philosophy that supporters will really enjoy. That will take time but in terms of transition, I would send a message that we are in a very healthy place as a football club - the leadership from ownership is in a very steady place and we're looking forward to the season ahead."

He also pointed to renewed investment in the women's team, who finished 11th in the WSL last season, and to continued redevelopment around Anfield: "Ultimately, it's about winning trophies and I wish we could win more but we've been fortunate to win a few. I think our supporters have had a great time... it's something that everyone associated with Liverpool should be proud of, because we all want this club to be the best in the world."