Finance expert: Liverpool announcement proves FSG fear Everton ‘threat’
Liverpool fear the “threat” posed by Everton’s new stadium when it comes to generating cash from non-footballing events on Merseyside.
That is the view of finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the earning power of Anfield.
Liverpool announced last Friday (1 July) that they had installed a new pitch ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
The new hybrid playing surface allows for quicker regeneration, meaning Anfield will be able to host events like concerts more easily in the off-season.
Everton also plan to offer up their new facilities for lucrative non-football events when their new Bramley Moore Dock stadium opens in time for the 2024-25 season.
And Plumley claims that Liverpool are trying to get ahead of the curve with their latest investment at Anfield.
“Diversifying revenue has become more important over the pandemic,” the Sheffield Hallam University expert told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“A lot of clubs have realised this, and utilising the assets you’ve got is one way to do that. A football stadium is operational 25 times per year. Liverpool might be touching 30 with runs deep into cup competitions.
“What do you with it for the 340 days when you’re not using it? Clubs are now tapping into stadiums to make them multi-use venues. The football is still front and centre but this generates extra revenue.
“They will see the threat from Everton’s new stadium and be thinking they need to go down this route as well.”
Liverpool are in the process of adding 7,000 seats to Anfield.
The Anfield Road revamp project will take total capacity beyond 61,000.
In other news, ex-Fifa official lambasts governing body after “supercharged” Liverpool news.