Hibs shareholder Bill Foley might invest in another club

Hibs shareholder Bill Foley, who recently invested around £6 million to acquire a 25% shareholding in the club, is reportedly eyeing an expansion of his portfolio by acquiring Belgian Pro League club Standard Liege.

Foley’s Black Knight group, which already includes Hibernian, Bournemouth in the English Premier League, Lorient in France’s Ligue 1, and Auckland in New Zealand, could potentially add Standard Liege to its roster, as the current owners, 777, are interested in selling their stake.

Standard Liege has faced challenges under its current ownership, prompting interest from various potential buyers, including Bill Foley. The 79-year-old Texan billionaire has previously considered purchasing clubs in Belgium, such as Charleroi, KV Oostende, and Gent.

However, Standard Liege seems to be a more feasible option now, especially considering their decline since 777 took control two years ago. The club requires significant rebuilding, making it an attractive proposition for investors like Foley. Currently, they sit in tenth place in the league, with a five-point cushion above the relegation zone.

Hibs are undergoing a comprehensive review following their failure to secure a top-six spot in the Premiership this season. Although manager Nick Montgomery retains his position, the team’s performance in the final five matches must improve, with a seventh-place finish now seen as a realistic goal.

Foley’s Black Knight group will play a significant role in evaluating the football department at Hibs in the coming weeks and is expected to strengthen its alignment with the chain of clubs that the American has assembled.