Soccerex Look At Football Financial Power – 2018

The Soccerex Football Finance 100 report was released this month and English Premier League sides dominate the top ten…with a number of other Premier League and Championship clubs featuring in the full table.

The report ranks sides based on both their playing and fixed assets, money in the bank, the potential investment by their owner(s) and the level of debt a club carries – but obviously there are some guestimates involved in the figures.

Last November Premier League runaway leaders Manchester City posted record revenues of £473.4million in their third straight year of profit and they lead the rankings ahead of Arsenal, Tottenhan Hotspur, Manchester United and Chelsea who all feature in the top ten.

In total, out of the 100 clubs ranks, 19 come from England and even Championship sides Sunderland and Aston Villa feature further down the scale. Newly promoted Brighton also make an entry at No 90.

In terms of the breakdown from the study, Arsenal have £766million worth of fixed assets which is the most owing to their move fom Highbury to the Emirates Stadium, but Manchester United take the cash in the bank tally with reported £307million compared to Arsenal’s £300million.

Arsenal take the lowest net debt at £8million, but Chelsea are recorded at £800million which is the largest figure for any side featuring in the top 100. The note there however is that it’s been lent to the club by parent company Fordstam – also owned by Roman Abramovich.

The study concludes.

‘Manchester City, one of the most famous cases of significant foreign investment changing a club’s status and potential, top the rankings. Their owner’s high potential investment value is complimented by a strong performance by the club across each of the verticals. Arsenal’s second place in the rankings, ahead of PSG, will surprise many and is certainly a talking point in light of criticism the club receives from some quarters for its perceived lack of spending in the transfer market. Their ranking is a reflection of the club’s professionalism and a sound business model. The position of financial strength means Arsenal could invest significantly should the hierarchy of the club choose to change their business strategy.’

A number of fans will question the figures appropriated to their side though – especially potential owner investment and cash in bank – but it creates an interesting talking point, especially when applied down the line to how a club operates and then a clubs’ potential.

Full Report.