Liverpool have posted an overall loss of £57m from last season’s accounts.
The Reds’ commercial revenue rose by £36m to £308m but a huge drop off in media revenue because of the lack of Champions League football has helped turn their accounts into a deficit for the season. Media revenue fell by £38m to £204m with the club in the Europa League and reaching the quarter-finals of the competition.
Some of that was offset by finishing third in the Premier League, an improvement on the previous campaign. They also won the Carabao Cup. But it did not help them achieve a profit with loss before tax at £57m. The club are not in any risk of breaching PSR regulations and will continue to invest in the squad.
Liverpool’s chief finance officer Jenny Beacham said: “Operating a financially sustainable club continues to be our priority and, with the continued increase in costs, it’s essential to grow income streams year on year to maintain financial stability.
“The success of our commercial operations, together with the opening of the new Anfield Road Stand, has increased our revenues during this reporting period which demonstrates our desire to continue to compete at the highest levels of football in the men’s and women’s game.
“The global appeal of this football club continues to be phenomenal and is the underlying strength and opportunity we have for continued growth. We also take our social responsibilities seriously, using our global appeal to increase our community impact and sustainability efforts, in which we are leading the way across the football industry.
“We will continue to operate in accordance with football’s financial rules and regulations while maintaining investment opportunities in our operations, infrastructure and players. Our focus right now is to finish this season as strong as possible, both on and off the pitch, to fulfil our collective ambitions for success.”
Matchday revenue rose by £22m to £102m thanks to the extended Anfield Road Stand. While commercial revenue is up £36m to £308m thanks to deals with the likes of UPS, Google Pixel, Peloton and Orion Innovation, with Kodansha and Carlsberg extending their existing partnerships.
Admin costs have rose by £38m to £600m while overall revenue rose to £614m, a £20m increase on 2022-23. The administrative cost rises are down to numerous factors including inflation, wage increases for playing and non-playing staff as well as other items such as rising utility costs.
The accounts include significant investment in the playing staff for the men’s team with Alexis MacAllister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch’s fees in the costs. While 11 contracts were extended and there was also investment in the women’s team squad.
Liverpool will hope the fact they are included in this season’s Champions League will mean that the deficit should be substantially less next season, although that will depend on a number of factors including investment in players.