Liverpool overtake Man Utd in football rich list to highlight FSG opportunity

19 January 2023 , 06:00

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Liverpool have overtaken Manchester United for the first time in Deloitte’s Money League.

The Reds have risen to third spot overall, up four places from seventh position in 2020-21, after posting revenues of £594.3million - up from £550.4m - in part down to their run to the Champions League final. It is the Merseysiders' highest-ever position in the survey's 26-year history, at a time when the club's owners, FSG, are looking for new investors in the club. Their growing revenues are only going to help them to attract fresh investment.

For their part, United were fifth last time out, boasting revenues of £558m. That figure rose rose to £583m for 2021-22, but wasn't enough to keep them from falling below their bitter rivals for the first time.

Joining Liverpool and United in the top 20 of clubs generating the most revenue in the 2021-22 season are NINE MORE Premier League sides - with City taking top spot.

They were the biggest earners for the second year running, bringing in a cool £619m in revenue. That includes a Premier League record of almost £330m in commercial revenue.

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The financial services firm's 2023 report also highlights the Premier League’s continued financial dominance of the global club game, with Leeds United returning to the top 20 for the first time since 2002-03, in 18th place, while Newcastle United returned to the top 20 in 20th position. There were 16 Premier League clubs in the top 30.

Notably, the Premier League reported a significant increase in its international media rights value during its most recent rights sale process..

Liverpool owner John W Henry is actively seeking new investment in the club (UEFA via Getty Images)

Tim Bridge, lead partner in Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, said that the report was "a stark message" for the rest of Europe's major leagues.

“For the first time, Premier League clubs fill the lion’s share of positions in Deloitte’s Football Money League," said Bridge. “The question now is whether other leagues can close the gap, likely by driving the value of future international media rights, or if the Premier League will be virtually untouchable, in revenue terms.

"The Premier League model is just so appealing to external markets. There is a danger that (the gap) isn't bridgeable now for the other leagues.

"You really need one of those other leagues to take 'first mover advantage' around something like new technology or to embrace or embark on a new internationalisation strategy - is there a way for them to go maybe direct to consumer in certain markets via their own app, or via their own production capabilities, and engage with that market and the individuals within it in a way that enables them to leverage all the products and opportunities?

"It's certainly a big, big challenge."

Sam Boor, director in Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, adds: “The Premier League’s financial superiority is unlikely to be challenged in the coming seasons.

"This is particularly apparent at a time when these clubs continue to attract international investment which often, in the best examples, encourages a focus on profitability, as well as on-pitch success.

“It’s now likely a case of not if, but when, all 20 Premier League clubs will appear in the Money League top 30.”