Gillett and Hicks
LIVERPOOL, England – Liverpool’s American owners are on the verge of announcing the refinancing package needed to keep the Premier League club in their hands.
Britain’s Press Association said co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr. held off from making an official announcement Thursday, but it is expected as early as Friday and will likely include details of the team’s planned new stadium at Stanley Park.
The agreement is set to total 350 million pounds (C$702 million) and signal the determination of Hicks and Gillett to remain at the helm of the storied club – despite mounting opposite among fans.
Support is growing in the port city this week for a buyout by Dubai International Capital, which lost out to Hicks and Gillett last year, amid growing anger about the owner’s treatment of manager Rafa Benitez.
Frustrated supporters publicly complained about the owners during Monday’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa which saw Rafa Benitez’s side slip further away from challenging for its first domestic title in 18 years.
Finishing in one of the four Champions League positions will be crucial now that Liverpool, currently fifth in the Premier League, could have 160 million pounds (C$321 million) of debt resulting from the new deal.
Hicks angered fans by revealing an approach to former Germany manager Juergen Klinsmann about replacing the popular Spanish manager in November when they were locked in a dispute over player transfers.
Source: Liverpool owners near refinancing deal
