Kieran Maguire: Tottenham looking to close £120m gap on ‘big hitters’ as US deal close
Tottenham want to close the gap on the Premier League’s financial elite by capitalising on commercial opportunities in the United States.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about a possible link-up with Orlando City.
The Daily Mail reported last Friday (25 March) that the MLS club and Spurs are close to agreeing a player exchange deal at youth level.
It is understood that Spurs are also looking to expand their commercial appeal across the pond and use Orlando to gain a foothold in the market.
Orlando owners Zygi and Mark Wilf took in Spurs’ 3-1 win over West Ham on 20 March as they ironed out the finer points of the plan in person.
The likes of Man City generate annual commercial revenues £120m higher than Spurs, but the US could hold the key to closing the gap, claims Maguire.
“Spurs want to extend the brand,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“They are aware that the likes of Man United, Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid are big hitters in terms of interest in the US.
“Spurs have a lot to offer. They could do a tournament in Orlando. Orlando could come for pre-season in the UK.
“America, as we know, is the land of marketing and Disneyfication. That is the route that Spurs want to go down to extend their commercial income.
“Despite the links with the NFL and others, they still generate £80m less than Man United and £120m less than Man City in terms of commercial income.
“But they have the facilities and they have the benefit of being in London, which counts for a lot.”
Spurs generate £40m per season from hosting two American football games annually at their 63,000-seater stadium.
The Londoners are reportedly keen to market the stadium as the home of the NFL in Europe.
In other news, Tottenham xpert reveals latest on signing Man City starlet Kwaku Oduroh after trial.