Liverpool says it has more than 26 million supporters in the United States, so it’s no surprise the club chose America for its pre-season tour.
It’s been a big summer for football in the US, and Billy Hogan, CEO of Liverpool and Fenway Sports Group (FSG), says the aim is to build on that momentum after what he calls a “super difficult year” for the club “for lots of different reasons.”
Speaking to BBC Sport in New York before Andoni Iraola’s side face Wrexham at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday at 19:30 local time (00:30 BST), Hogan acknowledges that off-field matters must be addressed first.
Last week, FSG, which owns Liverpool, confirmed that a consortium led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia is in talks over a strategic minority investment. Discussions are ongoing, and confidence is growing that an agreement will be reached.
“John Henry and FSG have always said that if an investment could help the football club, they would consider it. That’s still the case,” Hogan says. “At this stage, I can only reiterate that a consortium led, managed and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in a minority stake.”
Hogan, who has been with FSG since it bought Liverpool for £300m in 2010, stresses their commitment to the project and says this development should not be seen as FSG—owners of MLB’s Boston Red Sox—stepping back. The Financial Times reports a deal would value Liverpool at more than £4.5bn.
“There’s still a huge opportunity,” Hogan adds. “Football is the biggest sport in the world, and we’re one of the biggest clubs in the biggest league. The Premier League has tremendous momentum. We haven’t peaked—we’re well placed to keep growing, and everyone across the club, on and off the pitch, is focused on pushing forward and winning trophies.
“On the pitch, our aim every season is to win. Off it, our priority is to grow revenues and continue building the club. We’re pleased with the direction—fifth in the Deloitte Football Money League and the highest revenue in the Premier League at £702m.
“As always since 2010, all investment goes back into the club. It’s about running Liverpool sustainably.”