Aston Villa has disclosed its financial accounts for the year 2023, revealing a pre-tax loss of just under £120 million, marking the highest among European football clubs, according to UEFA’s comprehensive financial review. The club’s wage costs surged to £194.2 million, up from £137 million the previous year, driven by a substantial £63.7 million investment in acquiring new players. In comparison, the prior year saw a meager profit of £0.3 million.
The amortisation of player contracts also witnessed a £10 million increase, reaching £92.5 million, reflecting Villa’s heightened investment in their playing staff. Despite these financial challenges, Villa generated £22 million from player sales during the same period.
Villa’s revenue, on the other hand, experienced a positive trajectory, climbing to £217.7 million from £178.4 million, primarily attributed to improved on-pitch performance. Under the management of Unai Emery, Villa secured a seventh-place finish in the Premier League, a significant improvement from the 14th position in the previous year.
The club, however, asserts its adherence to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules, emphasizing that the reported losses align with their strategic business plan. This declaration gains significance amid increased financial scrutiny on other top-flight clubs, with Everton already facing a points deduction and Nottingham Forest confronting additional charges.
Furthermore, Villa revealed that capital investment nearly doubled to £13.4 million (compared to £7.1 million the previous year), as Villa Park prepares to host Euro 2028 games. The club is actively exploring opportunities to expand the stadium’s capacity.
In a statement, Aston Villa affirmed its commitment to the long-term and sustainable development of the club, expressing optimism about continued progress in the delivery of their strategic plan. As financial landscapes in football continue to evolve, Villa’s transparency about their financial performance provides insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by elite football clubs.
