Preston chairman responds to US-Saudi investor reports and condemns abuse from fans

Preston chairman Ian Penrose responds to US-Saudi investor interest reports and also condemns abuse from fans aimed at the owners.

Amr Zedan, a US-Saudi businessman known for horseracing and past Chelsea takeover links, has held discussions with the Championship club since early December 2025 about a potential investment to aid their Premier League promotion push.

Talks reportedly stalled amid claims from Zedan’s side of insufficient engagement from the Hemmings family owners, particularly on January transfer funding, though club sources disputed this.

Preston, owned by the Hemmings since 2010, appointed Rothschild bankers in July 2024 to explore investment or sale options, with the process still early-stage and involving multiple global parties.

Chairman Ian Penrose has since confirmed talks with Zedan and others via a professional process, highlighting recent family funding (£6m this season plus £7m previously), and stressed no deal is certain and any investor must fit the club’s long-term vision.

The statement also notes the owners faced reported abuse and board following the speculation.

🚨 Saudi Arabian billionaire Amr Zedan, who is attempting to buy Preston North End, has blamed a “lack of engagement” from the Hemmings family for the stalled takeover process. Talks are said to have slowed due to a number of factors, one of which is suspected to be the asking… pic.twitter.com/o3A4fMVEVd

— North End Podcast (@nepdailypod) January 25, 2026

A spokesperson for Mr Zedan said, as per Sky News, that he and the club had been discussions since early December “regarding an investment in the club intended to support its long-term Premier League ambitions”.

They claimed there had been a “lack of constructive engagement by club owners as money coming early into the transfer window which is now closing was key to [Mr Zedan’s] enthusiasm for supporting the club, its community and loyal fan base”.

Club Update | Response to Sky News Report 📝#pnefc

— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) January 26, 2026

CLUB STATEMENT:

Response to Sky News Report on 24th January 2026.

On 7th October 2025, Craig Hemmings, on behalf of the club’s owners, The Hemmings Family, announced that Preston North End (“PNE”) would be actively engaging with international sports organisations, private institutions, and investment funds better geared, both commercially and financially, for maximising the true global potential of PNE. He added that the club will be actively engaging with such organisations or individuals who would be interested in investing in, or owning, a club like PNE.

The club does not ordinarily comment on rumour and speculation, but we note the article on Sky News published on Saturday. Unfortunately, without the full facts, there has already been abuse on social media, targeted at both the PNE Board and the owners. The Hemmings family has already committed to invest a further £6 million (in addition to the £7 million already invested this season) over the remaining four months of the season in support of the most expensively assembled squad in our history as we strive for promotion to the Premier League.

Ian Penrose, Chairman, said: “We have commenced discussions with a number of parties from around the world who have expressed an interest in acquiring Preston North End.

“This process is in its early stages and is ongoing, as we continue to receive new approaches. I can confirm that we have had discussions with the US-born Saudi businessman Amr Zedan, who we respect highly. Mr Zedan is one of a number of successful individuals or organisations that have made enquiries about the club. Specific comments on any approach are inappropriate at this stage.

“This is a complex process that requires many financial, legal and regulatory hurdles to be appropriately satisfied. The Board is being advised throughout this process by Rothschild & Co.

“Whilst such a transaction can take months to conclude, and there is no certainty that a successful outcome will be achieved, it is the Board’s intention to conclude these negotiations at the earliest opportunity. It is of utmost importance that any future owner of Preston North End is the right fit for the football club, in order to maximise the club’s potential and the ambitions of our fans, stakeholders and owners.”

Twitter users reacted after the Preston chairman responds to US-Saudi investor reports and condemns abuse from fans…

@KeatonFisher19: You’re taking the piss ain’t you. “Premier League ambitions” Get to absolute fuck. We’ve had our squad weakened and with no sign of any additions. The pitch is fucking shambles. Paul Heckingbottom deserves so much better and won’t blame him if he was to walk. Fuck off.

@zippy12171: Please stop with the “Premier League ambitions” comments, it’s clear to see there is no desire at all to get there from the board. Our best manager and league position in years and you’ve hung him out to dry in the Jan transfer window, like others before him.

@BeccaGornall: Actions speak louder than words, prove this so called ambition by buying some players #pnefc

@shabbapne: People have given the owners shit because they’re sick of being patronised. They’re also sick of another good manager not being properly backed. Other than that, the talks sound promising. #pnefc

@DBPnefc: Not abuse, it’s facts. 26th jan and we’ve signed no one and the clubs been silent about what’s going on. Same old ‘it’s in progress’ with owners. Jog on hemmings

@iampav: Positive update. No sensible supporter expects the club to sell up overnight. Due diligence takes time. Hopefully any future investors/custodians, like the Hemmings, have the long term interests of PNE at heart.

@Ash_GW: “Premier League ambitions” – put in less than last season. “Support building the most expensively assembled squad ever” – easy when you never spent previously. Fuck off with your patronising nonsense we’ve had enough. #pnefc

@DBPnefc: Second telling off in 3 days. Most north end thing i’ve seen, no signings and goals in the last 4 games. Aye it’s alright tho we’ve been told off 🐑 #pnefc

@davidpne: I’ve no issue with the statement. These things generally take many months to conclude, and we don’t want another Sheff Wed! However, I do have an issue with Hecky not being backed this window. Targets should have been in place by Jan if the owners ‘really’ wanted promotion… 😠

@DR7pne: You embarrassed us with the lack of investment in the pitch. Which as you put it the most expensive squad yet we have a pitch which could lead to a lot of injuries and you sit there wondering why we are fucked off

@thejdtucker:
“we strive for promotion to the Premier League.”
Must have missed the new additions this month

@louise_pne: Glad proper processes are being followed as we do need the right owner to take over, that is definitely paramount.

@dom_33: Fans fault again is it? Sell the club you twats