Soccer

Spurs ‘in discussions with prospective investors’, chairman Daniel Levy reveals

Levy says the north London club need “a significant increase” in their equity base.

Tottenham are in “discussions with prospective investors”, says chairman Daniel Levy
Tottenham are in “discussions with prospective investors”, says chairman Daniel Levy (Steven Paston/PA)
By PA Sport Staff

Tottenham are “in discussions with prospective investors” in a bid to “capitalise on our long-term potential”, chairman Daniel Levy has revealed.

The Premier League club’s total revenue for the financial year to June 30, 2023 exceeded half a billion pounds for the first time, with the figure of £549.6million a significant increase on £444m for the previous year.

However, operating expenses including first-team costs have risen by 21 per cent to £487.9m, with a loss of £86.8m put down to “significant and continued investment in the playing squad” in the financial results published by the club on Wednesday morning.

Levy announced in his statement accompanying the results that Spurs were looking for an injection of equity.

He wrote: “To capitalise on our long-term potential, to continue to invest in the teams and undertake future capital projects, the club requires a significant increase in its equity base.

“The board and its advisors, Rothschild & Co, are in discussions with prospective investors. Any recommended investment proposal would require the support of the club’s shareholders.”

Chairman Daniel Levy Spurs need “significant increase” in their equity base
Chairman Daniel Levy Spurs need “significant increase” in their equity base (Joe Giddens/PA)

Revenue from match receipts, UEFA prize money, TV and media and commercial all increased on 2021-22, as did the profit from operations which rose from £112.3m to £138.7m.

The club report that their net debt as of June 2023 was £677.4m. Over 90 per cent of their borrowings of £851.2m are at fixed rates, with an average interest rate of 2.79 per cent.

“We expect commercial revenues to rise from third-party events, although this will not compensate for the lack of European football this season,” Levy wrote.

Ange Postecoglou was appointed Spurs head coach in June 2023
Ange Postecoglou was appointed Spurs head coach in June 2023 (Gareth Fuller/PA)

“Additionally, as reflected in these results, we expect the impact of rising costs, caused by geo-political events, to continue to impact all areas of our operations.

“Our ethos is clear – to be far-sighted and run the club sustainably. This involves strict control of our cost base, increased commercial and sponsorship revenues and consistent European participation, all of which are key to our ability to continue to invest in the squad and win top honours.

“Since opening the stadium in April 2019, we have invested over £600million in our men’s and women’s first-team squads.”