PL news: Dragan Solak-backed company buys Southampton
Premier League club Southampton have been taken over by a company backed by Serbian media mogul Dragan Solak.
They have confirmed Sport Republic has bought Chinese businessman Gao Jisheng's 80% stake.
Gao took over Southampton in August 2017, with Katharina Liebherr retaining 20%.of ownership. With this new deal, Liebherr will continue to own her minority stake
Saints are 14th in the Premier League, after being promoted to the top flight of English football in 2012. Before this time, they had spent time in third tier of English football thanks to clear mismanagement on and off the pitch. They have remained steady in the Premier League and are potentially in a decent position to make the next step.
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Martin Semmens, CEO of Southampton Football Club, told the Southampton website:
“Over the last two years, together with the shareholders of our club, we have searched for the right partner to take the club forward. Today we have found the perfect solution for our club.
“Sport Republic are experienced investors, but also experienced within the world of elite professional sports. That combination is very hard to find, and we are thrilled to have reached an agreement that secures our short and long-term future.
“We are grateful for the support of Mr Gao and Katharina that allowed us to take our time, turn away the wrong options and ultimately find the right partner for the future of this great club, its fans, staff and the people of Southampton.
A new era at #SaintsFC 😇
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) January 4, 2022
We can confirm that Sport Republic has completed the acquisition of a controlling stake in Southampton Football Club.
The response from fans has been largely positive, even if some of them are slightly cautious. One told us: "This is obviously good news if he has the best interests of the club at heart."
