New evidence of Newcastle United's post-takeover wealth as club returns to elite list

Newcastle United are back in the Deloitte Money League – after dropping out during Mike Ashley’s time as owner.
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Deloitte today published the 26th edition of their report on the richest clubs in world football. The list, which covers the 2021/22 season, is topped by Premier League champions Manchester City with revenues of £619.1million.

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Newcastle United transfer talks hint at potential arrival

Newcastle’s commercial revenues flatlined during Ashley’s time as owner, but the club, taken over in late 2021 by a consortium led by Amanda Staveley, is back among the elite. United are 20th in the list with revenues of £178.9million.

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The club, which was in the relegation zone when it was sold by Ashley, spent more than £150million on transfers in 2021/22, according to the report.

Newcastle were 29th in the Money League the previous season. The club's highest place was in the 1997/98 season, when it was ranked fifth.

Darren Eales, appointed chief executive officer last summer, has been tasked with increased the club’s commercial revenues.

New deals

Newcastle United are back in the Deloitte Money League.Newcastle United are back in the Deloitte Money League.
Newcastle United are back in the Deloitte Money League.

The club, 80%-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has announced a series of new deals over the past few months – and these are likely to push the higher up the list next year.

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“When it comes to PIF’s investments, they invest globally in hundreds, if not thousands, of companies,” said Eales. “From that alone, you’ve got the ability to have a door opening to a host of different conversations.

“Then, when I look at Newcastle United commercially, and assess the other advantages that we’ve got, the fact we’ve got such a passionate and engaged fanbase is really attractive to commercial partners.

“People are really excited about our journey, and when we’re talking to companies and brands, that’s hugely compelling.

The clubs at the top of the latest Deloitte Money League.The clubs at the top of the latest Deloitte Money League.
The clubs at the top of the latest Deloitte Money League.

"We’ve got so many compelling things about us. There’s going to be – and there already is – a line of companies that are excited to be part of this story.

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“In the world of football, I’d say this is one of the most exciting stories out there. It’s Newcastle United, this sleeping giant of a club, going on a journey to hopefully be one of the top clubs in the world.”

English clubs dominate the 20-place league, and Tim Bridge, head of Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, said: “There is a danger that (the gap) isn’t bridgeable now for the other leagues.”