Liverpool Football Club have revealed record revenues and social media presence for an English club.
The Anfield side may have dropped to second spot on goal difference after Manchester City beat city rivals Everton in midweek, but it tops the table when it comes to followers online.
They grew their social media platforms grow to 60 million followers in the last financial year, gaining three million Instagram followers at a 71 per cent annual growth rate.
Facebook and Twitter also continued to grow, with 27m fan interactions on Twitter during the reporting period to May 31st 2018.
Overall, the club’s social media platforms had a 14 per cent growth rate taking the total to more than 60m across digital channels.
In May 2018, it had the highest viewing figures on YouTube ever for a Premier League club and third of any sports club globally.
Liverpool, which reached the Champions League final last year, also moved up two places to seventh position in the Deloitte Football Money League.
Turnover increased during the period by £90m to £455m which enabled the biggest reinvestment into the playing squad in the club’s history.
All three revenue streams saw rises, with media revenue increasing by £66m to £220m, commercial revenue increasing by £17m to £154m and match revenue increasing by £7m to £81m.
Andy Hughes, LFC’s chief operating officer, said: “What we have seen is a stable and sustained improvement in the club’s financial position over recent years. This growth and increase in revenue has enabled us to significantly reinvest both in the playing squad and the football operational infrastructure.
“Financial results do fluctuate depending on player trading costs and timing of payments but what’s clear in these latest results is the further strengthening of our underlying financial footing and profits being reinvested in the squad and infrastructure.
“Since the reporting period, which is now nearly 12 months old, we have continued reinvesting in the playing squad from those areas of growth. In addition, the capital investment in our new training complex in Kirkby is well under way which will provide first-class amenities for our players and staff, and will vastly improve sports facilities for the community of Kirkby.”
“We’re making solid progress right across the club. Costs in football continue to rise year on year and it’s important we constantly review and manage our operating costs to ensure we’re in the right shape for future success.
“With the continued support of our ownership group, performance on the pitch and maintaining our priority of reinvesting back into the squad, we remain focused towards fulfilling all our football ambitions.”