COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the world and the English Premier League is no different, but who will feel the pinch if the season is indeed cancelled?
With no television revenue some clubs, particularly those further down the table, will struggle.
So who will feel the pinch the most from the perspective of results? The obvious ones are those who rely too heavily on television and matchday revenue to get by.
However, given the deflated transfer market even selling players to refill coffers may be tricky. Now Premier League Central will delve into two of the clubs who will suffer the most from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bournemouth’s demise due to COVID-19
The south coast side is to put it lightly in serious financial trouble as a result of the deferment of the season. The Cherries, according to The Athletic, saw 88% of their turnover come from broadcast rights.
With this and other matchday earnings down to zero, almost all of the club’s incomings have been halted. This is before you get into the cost of the club’s brand new training centre.
The club does, of course, have valuable players to sell to try and cover the gap. Callum Wilson, Phil Billing, David Brooks, and Nathan Ake to name a few would have fetched handsome fees in the summer.
With Manchester United CEO Ed Woodward pointing out big money transfers won’t be happening over the summer, the fees touted in the summer will be far lower due to the financial repercussions of COVID-19.
Sheffield United
This season’s surprise package, the Yorkshire club, has been a joy to watch. However, financially they will feel the impact of this like almost no other. Sheffield are in with a decent shot at Champions League football next season, but if the season is voided then they could miss European football and its riches completely.
Unfortunately, however, this may not happen and as a result, their finances will suffer. Their 2019 accounts reveal a gross loss of well over £20 million.
With the signatures of players such as Sander Berge and David McGoldrick, their expenses have risen, but their profits may not match that if the season is cancelled.
