Brighton have ‘spent a lot of money on players’ – financial documents analysed
Brighton have been widely referred to as one of the best-run clubs in the Premier League over the past few years.
Brighton recorded a club-record revenue in 2023-24 after their turnover reached £260.9million, which was boosted by their participation in the Europa League.
However, Brighton’s revenue dropped to £242.7m last season after posting their latest accounts on 9 January.
The lack of European football last season saw the Seagulls’ broadcast revenue drop from £163.8m to £151.1m.
Meanwhile, matchday income remained static at £27.9m and commercial revenue increased from £20.7m to £22.8m as they look to cash in on opportunities at the Amex Stadium.
Why Brighton are facing challenges after spending spree
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Brighton have started to “spend a lot of money” on improving their squad.
The south-coast club went from recording a £75.1m pre-tax profit in 2023-24 to a pre-tax loss of £55.8m last season.
The Seagulls pointed to the dramatic change in their player-trading results, which fell from a £68.1m profit to a £25m loss, as a key reason behind their substantial deficit.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “Look, it’s very hard for clubs of that tier to make ends meet, especially when they’re starting to spend quite a lot of money on the squad.
“They actually have spent a lot on player purchases, and they’ve worked, don’t get me wrong. The value of the playing side is probably much higher than the acquisition cost.
“They’re also paying decent wages now, so the combination of the two with the amortisation costs, effectively the squad costs, is quite high for a club of its size. But it’s working quite well.”
Tony Bloom has backed Brighton heavily since taking over in 2009, but the accounts revealed the club’s gross financial debt to their owner increased from £300m to £407m in 2024-25.
Brighton’s Champions League hopes analysed
Borson suggested Brighton are in the mix for European football despite currently sitting 12th in the Premier League table.
“If you look where they are in the league, the league’s very bunched up,” said Borson.
“They’re four points off sixth, or they’re five points off fifth. I don’t think they’re going to get in the Champions League, but it’s not impossible. They’ve got very good players.
“The accounts were largely predictable. I don’t think there’s much in there that’s a shock.”
Fabian Hurzeler led Brighton to an eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season.
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