Associates close to Liverpool owner John Henry have witnessed his frustrations, according to reports that the businessman is finding his role increasingly difficult
19:05, 01 May 2026
John Henry has faced criticism throughout his tenure as Liverpool owner
John Henry has faced criticism throughout his tenure as Liverpool owner(Image: 2023 Getty Images)
Liverpool owner John Henry may have realized that running the soccer club is harder than he anticipated, with frustrations being shared with close associates behind the scenes.
Henry is the principal owner of Liverpool and co-founder of Fenway Sports Group. After taking ownership of Liverpool in 2010, success has followed, but fans have recently protested against the club hierarchy for raising ticket prices, and it isn't the first time that there has been tension around Anfield.
FSG's reputation took a massive hit when Liverpool was announced as one of the teams set to join the European Super League, only for the plans to be abandoned. Henry has a lot on his plate as a multi-club owner, but some believe his interest in Liverpool has weakened.
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That's according to The Athletic, which attempted to interview Liverpool's principal owner. Henry didn't engage, but the outlet spoke with those who have dealt with Henry regularly in recent years to learn more about him.
Running Liverpool has been harder than Henry imagined, and behind the scenes, he's complained. Henry confessed to associates "his deep frustrations about the possible impact of allegedly inflated sponsorships elsewhere."
This is reportedly "because it undermines other clubs in their pursuit of true valuations, making them more competitive." Henry also appears to have retreated in recent times and is only seen at Anfield a handful of times per season.
Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan is usually the main representative on the ground
Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan is usually the main representative on the ground(Image: Getty Images)
"Executives from other clubs have heard less about Henry over the last few years," The Athletic reported. "Some have seen that as his interest in Liverpool retreating.
"Others believe he was so burned over the criticism he received for Liverpool’s involvement in the European Super League that he has stopped getting involved in the politics of football." With Henry often absent, CEO Billy Hogan is often the representative in Anfield.
Henry doesn't just focus on Liverpool, he is also an owner of the MLB's Boston Red Sox, the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins, and the NASCAR team RFK Racing. In fact, when Liverpool fans recently protested rising costs, he was in Boston, firing several members of the Red Sox coaching staff.
Fans recently called out Liverpool's owners for increasing ticket prices
Fans recently called out Liverpool's owners for increasing ticket prices(Image: 2026 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)
While Henry has been credited for building a stunning business portfolio, his attention is constantly stretched across several sports. Liverpool did enjoy a golden era under former head coach Jurgen Klopp, but the head coach was credited with all the success.
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Liverpool also had several years of flawless recruitment, but current head coach Arne Slot failed to defend the Premier League title this season, and the campaign has been underwhelming. This comes after FSG funded Liverpool's summer transfer window, breaking its record signing fee twice.
It's expected that the roster will continue to gel and lead to success in the future, but fans have expressed concerns. FSG is expected to stick with Slot through the 2026-27 season.
Elsewhere on Henry's plate, the Penguins have been eliminated from the NHL Playoffs, and the Red Sox are enduring a rough season. Boston is 12-19 to start the year, at the bottom of the American League East.