Tony Bloom has made his Hearts investment proposal and now it’s in the hands of fans.
The Brighton and Hove Albion chairman comes from a betting background and has made his fortune across a number of fronts. Now he is looking to put £9.86m into the Jambos in exchange for a 29% stake in the club via non-voting shares. A consultation period with the club’s majority shareholders – the Foundation of Hearts – will now start.
It’s sparked excitement within the support of how transformational this could be or the Premiership side. But how did Bloom get to this point and what has his road to Gorgie been like? In 17 photos, we take a look at the possible Hearts investor and his career to date.
13. Raking it in
Brighton's player-trading model becomes the envy of many. Their £122.8 million post-tax gain for the year ending June 30, 2023, came in a season of unprecedented success with the 13th-highest wage bill and the 17th-most expensive squad. Photo: GLYN KIRK
14. Silverware celebration
In May this year, Union won their first Belgian Cup title after 110 years, following a 1–0 win over Royal Antwerp in the final. | BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
15. How much money has he put in?
Overall, Bloom has since invested a reported £406.5m in interest-free loans into the Seagulls. In 09/10, the club's squad value was €12.13m. Now it's estimated at €555.60m. Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
16. Big fees
Brighton smash their transfer record three times in the summer window just gone. Their eight most expensive signings have all come in the last 13 months. | Brighton FC