The Athletic Appoints First Football Finance Writer Amid Financial Turmoil at Premier League Clubs

Chris Weatherspoon, The Athletic's first dedicated football finance writer, has published analyses revealing the complex financial landscapes of several Premier League clubs. Aston Villa's recent success in Europe has significantly boosted their revenues, marking a stark contrast to their financial struggles just eight years ago (Article 1). Newcastle United's transformation is closely tied to massive investment from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, with over £528 million injected since 2021, but their achievements cannot be attributed to money alone (Article 2). Tottenham Hotspur, once lauded for their governance and sustainability, are now facing a dismal season on the pitch despite improvements off it (Article 3). Chelsea stands out for employing creative financial maneuvers, including long-term player contracts and intra-group asset sales, to stay within Profit and Sustainability Rules despite posting losses of £354,000 a day over the past decade; these strategies have helped them avoid financial disaster and even report significant profits in recent years (Articles 4 and 5).