Back in January of 2022, Sport Republic purchased Southampton from Chinese businessman Gao Jisheng and they have remained majority shareholders ever since.
As we approach the third year anniversary of Sport Republic’s purchase of Southampton, little is known of the Danish company that bought the club.
Here is everything you need to know about the majority shareholders of Southampton, Sport Republic.
Who are Sport Republic?
According to their website, Sport Republic is a London-based investment firm in the sports and entertainment industry. The remit of the company is to create an effective and financially sustainable talent pathway.
How many football clubs do Sport Republic own?
The company owns four football clubs: Southampton, Göztepe S.K, Valenciennes F.C and FC Mali Coura.
How much did Sport Republic pay for Southampton?
The Financial Times claims that Sport Republic have invested £100 million for an 80 per cent stake in the Saints.
Sport Republic are backed by Serbian media mogul Dragan Solak and they have been very consistent in their plan to invest money into the South Coast club.
Who is Dragan Solak?
Solak, who was born in 1964, made his money from Serbian media and is the founder and owner of the United Group media house.
Solak founded United Group back in 2000. His net worth was estimated at €1.22 billion, and as of 2021 was understood to be the richest man in Serbia.
Solak has been criticised for his lack of involvement in Southampton and has invested around £63 million, £48 million in 2022 and £15 million in 2023.
How much have Sport Republic spent on Southampton’s transfers?
During the 2024 summer transfer window, with the Saints returning to the Premier League, the South Coast side invested £97 million into transfers.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis signed for £20 million after his loan spell at the Saints and West Ham United midfielder Flynn Downes, who set the club back £18 million.
Aaron Ramsdale and Cameron Archer were also large expenditures for the Saints, but Sport Republic has certainly backed the club.
Since their purchase of the St Mary’s side, they have invested over £200 million into the club and that number is only set to increase.
Who is Southampton’s Director Of Football under Sport Republic?
With Sport Republic owning Southampton, it is natural that the company has instilled their own director of football to oversee the day-to-day running of the Saints.
Rasmus Ankersen, who is an author, public speaker, and the president of Goztepe, was given the role of the director of football for Southampton back in 2022.
His official title, according to the Southampton website, is the CEO of the club who will look after the footballing strategy.