Aston Villa have announced their end-of-year accounts, and some pretty stark figures have emerged.
Per The Athletic, Villa announced a £119.6million loss in their end-of-year accounts despite returning to European competition this season.
Despite increased gate recipes, sponsorship deals and commercial revenue, a significant loss was reported compared to last year’s profit of £300,000.
One big positive is that the board confirmed the club is working within the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. The authorities have clamped down this season, with Everton and Nottingham Forest both impacted.
Nevertheless, the figures could be viewed as quite concerning and probably highlight the need for further commercial revenue, much like Tottenham have achieved with their new stadium.
To put Villa’s figures into context, football finance expert Kieran Maguire has displayed where Villa’s latest loss puts them in the all-time Premier League standings.
Aston Villa third in all-time Premier League loss-makers
Maguire displayed a graph on his personal X account with some pretty startling financial figures.
Aston Villa now sit third in the all-time Premier League list, having made a loss of over £591million since the inception of the top flight in 1992.
Unsurprisingly, Chelsea are top of the list, having made an all-time loss of over £1.04billion. Manchester City sit in second spot on £633million, just over £40million ahead of Villa after the latest accounts.
Aston Villa ahead of Everton amid PSR concerns
Despite the board confirming that the club is working within PSR constraints, considering Everton’s current predicament, there should be cause for concern.
The Toffees have posted an all-time loss of £446million and have already been docked points by the Premier League. Furthermore, another charge is on the way in April.
Considering Aston Villa’s all-time loss is now £145million more than the Toffees, the Villa Park decision-makers must ensure they work the right side of the dotted line.
The club’s statement read: “It is important to note that these figures align with the strategic business plan. The owners remain committed to the long-term and sustainable development of the club, and we look forward to continued progress on the delivery of our strategic plan.”
Let’s hope these words ring true with sustainability at the forefront of the ownership’s mind.
