Premier League influence could soon reach into Scottish football as Brighton & Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom edges closer to securing a minority stake in Heart of Midlothian. The proposed £9.86 million investment from the British entrepreneur would mark a significant development for the Edinburgh club—if approved by its fan-ownership body, Foundation of Hearts (FoH).
After more than a year of private negotiations, the deal now hinges on a vote by over 8,000 FoH members. If a simple majority supports the move, Bloom would acquire a 29 per cent stake in Hearts through the issuance of new, non-voting shares. While this would not grant him any say in the club’s decision-making processes, the deal would entitle him to appoint a representative to the Tynecastle board, taking the total number of directors to eight.
Bloom’s reputation as one of football’s most analytical minds precedes him. Alongside his stewardship of Premier League side Brighton, he also holds a stake in Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise. His recruitment firm, Jamestown Analytics, has already begun working with Hearts, applying cutting-edge data techniques to modernise the club’s player and coaching recruitment strategy.
His investment would bring significant financial injection and strategic expertise, but it also raises questions over the future of the club’s leadership. It remains unclear whether current CEO Andrew McKinlay will remain in post or what role Ann Budge, Hearts’ influential chairwoman, would play going forward.
While Bloom wouldn’t be involved in day-to-day operations, Hearts would gain direct access to his network of football experts and innovative analytical systems. For some supporters, this represents a bold step into modern footballing infrastructure; for others, the idea of outside influence—even with non-voting rights—marks a shift in the club’s identity as a fan-owned institution.
The vote is now open. Its outcome could mark the beginning of a new era at Tynecastle—one that brings Premier League connections and continental insight to Gorgie.