“Liverpool records profits after winning the title, but salaries soar.”

Liverpool Football Club, one of the giants of English football, is celebrating a triumphant return to profitability, with a pre-tax surplus of an impressive £15.2 million, a result that comes after a memorable season in which they won the Premier League title. However, this financial progress is accompanied by a significant increase in the wage bill, which has become the highest in the league.

The figures revealed are a testament to the positive financial impact that winning the championship has had on the club’s coffers. A substantial £60 million increase in media revenue was the main driver of this success, a direct result of the team’s participation in the knockout stage of the Champions League, surpassing their performance from the previous season in the group stage of the Europa League. Additionally, matchday revenue grew by £14 million, totaling £116 million, while commercial revenue rose by £15 million, reaching £323 million.

Despite these impressive figures, personnel expenses surged by £42 million, now reaching £428 million. This substantial increase is attributed to performance bonuses awarded after the title win, as well as the renewal of contracts for stars like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. The team also increased its number of staff and faced additional administrative costs related to match days.

Personnel costs have more than doubled since the 2016-17 season and now exceed those of Manchester City, whose personnel costs were £408 million. Liverpool’s accounts for the 2024-25 period, which ended on May 31, do not include the impressive £450 million spent in the last transfer window in an attempt to revitalize the squad.

The return to profit is a positive sign after two consecutive years of pre-tax losses, with a deficit of £9 million in 2022-23 and £57 million in 2023-24. However, the club still faces significant financial challenges, with utility costs rising by 107% and business rates by 286% over the past four years.

Jenny Beacham, the club’s finance director, commented on the results, stating: “We make no secret of our desire to operate a financially sustainable club, increase revenues, and do everything in our power off the pitch to bring more success on it.” Beacham described the season as “a great example of how this can work, with record revenues accompanying the victory of our 20th league title.”

She added that “the challenge for us is to continue our growth, through the incredible work we do in areas such as our partnership portfolio and retail offerings, as well as continuing to diversify our focus to better serve our global fan base.” Beacham also acknowledged the “significant cost challenges, including increases in administrative, personnel, and operational expenses, along with the need to compete at the highest level in the game, both in the men’s and women’s teams.”

Finally, Beacham highlighted that since the reporting period, the club “has invested significantly to continue enhancing our squads, investing in the present and future of the club,” remaining “fully committed to operating in accordance with football’s financial rules and regulations.” The expectation now is that, with robust financial management and a clear ambition, Liverpool will continue to be one of the most competitive and successful clubs in the world.