The chairman of Brighton is aiming to make a significant financial investment in Hearts, stirring excitement among fans and observers.
According to a finance expert, Tony Bloom’s involvement at Hearts appears to be driven by a desire to disrupt the status quo in Scottish football.
The Foundation of Hearts is now undergoing a consultation phase regarding Bloom’s offer to inject nearly £9.86 million into the Tynecastle club in exchange for a 29% stake made up of non-voting shares. FOH members will ultimately decide whether the proposal moves forward through a vote.
Kieran Maguire, a football finance lecturer at the University of Liverpool, believes Bloom isn’t motivated by profit, as he’s already financially successful. He praised Bloom’s intentions and character, suggesting the move is about ambition and challenging the dominance of clubs like Celtic and Rangers.
“Tony Bloom doesn’t need football for money anymore—he’s already made his fortune,” Maguire said on The Price of Football podcast. “He’s passionate about shaking things up and possibly recreating the Brighton success story at Hearts. That could mean pushing for second place, cup victories, or consistent European qualification. It’s about the challenge, not financial gain.”
Maguire emphasized Bloom’s intelligence and dedication, sharing a personal anecdote that highlighted Bloom’s sharp insights during a match. He said Hearts will benefit from Bloom’s expertise and data-driven strategies, much like Brighton has in recent years.
Hearts issued a statement confirming Bloom’s offer and outlining the next steps: “Tony Bloom has proposed a £9.86 million investment for a 29% stake via non-voting shares. A consultation with the Foundation of Hearts is now underway to gather member feedback. The proposal will only proceed with majority approval from FOH members. If approved, a shareholder EGM will be held to formally ratify the transaction, which also remains subject to legal agreements and regulatory approval.”
