Liverpool FC Forum

David Beckham's commercial value has helped Real Madrid overtake Manchester United as the wealthiest club in the world, according to the authors of a new 'rich list'.

The Deloitte football money league shows that, in terms of revenue, Real have soared into the lead earning £186.2million - £20million more than United - in 2004-05.

By comparison United, who had topped the list for the previous eight years, saw their earnings drop from £171.5million to £166.4million after a couple of relatively-poor seasons on the field.

Dan Jones, partner in the sports business group at Deloitte, said Real had benefited hugely from expanding their commercial activities - and that Beckham's presence in the team alongside other star names had helped despite the club failing to win silverware.

He told PA Sport: "It's startling how successful Madrid, and to some extent Barcelona, have been in growing revenue, and over the last two years it has been about commercial growth and merchandising rather than matchday and broadcasting revenue.

"Beckham has been a major factor in that. You can't put a figure on his impact but there is no doubt having big-name players makes an impact and he's the most famous footballer in the world."

United are followed by AC Milan (£158million) and Juventus (£154.9million) in the list, both clubs having benefited by huge recent broadcasting deals, while Chelsea (£149.1million) have slipped a place to fifth.

Arsenal (£115.7million) have dropped from sixth to 10th place after failing to match their fabulous unbeaten season of 2003-04, while Liverpool's Champions League success saw the Reds rise from 10th to eighth, earning £122.4million.

The top-20 is entirely made up of European clubs, with English clubs occupying eight of the positions, Italian clubs five, three clubs from Spain, two from Germany, Celtic (£62.6million) from Scotland in 16th place and Lyon from France in 15th.

Newcastle (£87.1million) are 12th in the list, Tottenham (£70.6million) 13th, Manchester City (£60.9million) in 17th and Everton (£60million) 18th.

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry says the club is already targeting players that the manager wants to see brought in during the summer.

But before you get excited as to who those players might be, the wallet is urging fans to be realists because the club doesn't have an endless pit of money.

Parry said: "The search for new players never ends. It doesn't matter that the transfer window has just closed. We have been working on possible summer options for some time, not just involving one player, but two or three.

"These include right-sided midfielder Mark Gonzalez who we signed in October, but have been unable to play so far because of work permit issues. We allowed Mark to go on loan to Real Sociedad while we continue to sort things out.

"Of course, fans always like to see truly big signings. You never rule these deals out, but it's never as simple as that unless you have unlimited resources like Chelsea. You just have to balance things out in your mind.

"It's interesting to look at the Arsenal situation of late where they have been looking to bring in talented youngsters. Historically, Manchester United have spent substantial amounts of money on individual players like Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney, but then it should not be overlooked that we have spent £27m on strikers which is not an insignificant investment.

"Of course, it's not always the availability of funds that is the issue. It's about availability, competition at the time and many other things. It's also rarely the case that one player will have a completely transforming effect on your fortunes. The judgment is how to spread your resources to ensure progress is made.

"Fans instinctively want you to go out and buy everyone, but you can't do that. Even the big clubs have to live within their means which is why competing with Chelsea right now is so difficult. "