Liverpool Back in Profit After Title Triumph Despite Record Wage Bill

• Premier League champions post £15.2m pre tax profit for 2024-25
• Staff costs rise to highest level in the English top flight
• Media income surge and commercial growth drive financial recovery

Liverpool have returned to profitability following their Premier League title success, posting a pre–tax surplus of £15.2m for the 2024-25 season, despite recording the highest wage bill in the division.

The Reds had endured two consecutive years of losses, with deficits of £9m in 2022-23 and £57m in 2023-24, but a significant uplift in revenue helped restore the club to the black. The largest contributor was a £60m increase in media income, driven by progression to the Champions League last 16 after competing in the Europa League the previous campaign.

Matchday income also rose by £14m to £116m, while commercial revenue increased by £15m to £323m, reflecting continued global growth in sponsorship and retail activity.

However, Liverpool’s spending rose sharply. Staff costs climbed by £42m to £428m, surpassing Manchester City’s £408m and making it the highest wage bill in the Premier League. The increase was driven by title-related bonuses, contract renewals for senior figures including Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, higher staffing levels and rising matchday and administrative expenses. Overall, employee costs have more than doubled since 2016-17.

The figures do not include the club’s £450m summer investment in new signings such as Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, as the accounting period closed on May 31.

Liverpool have also been hit by steep rises in operational costs, with utility bills up 107 percent and business rates increasing by 286 percent over the past four years, underlining the growing financial pressures faced by elite clubs.

Chief financial officer Jenny Beacham said the results demonstrated the club’s commitment to sustainable growth.

“We make no secret of our desire to run and operate a financially sustainable club, to grow revenue streams, and to do all we can off the pitch to help bring more success on it,” she said.

“The 2024-25 season is a great example of how this can work, with record revenues alongside the men’s team winning our 20th league title.”

Beacham acknowledged the challenges ahead, pointing to rising administrative and operational costs and the continued need to invest in both the men’s and women’s squads.

“Since this reporting period we have invested significantly to continue to enhance our playing squads, investing in the club’s present and in its future too,” she added. “As always, we’re fully committed to operating in accordance with football’s financial rules and regulations, while continuing our focus on providing the best possible platform for success on and off the pitch for our supporters here in Liverpool and around the world.”

The figures underline both the financial rewards and the escalating costs of success at the top of the Premier League, as Liverpool seek to balance sustained competitiveness with long-term stability.