Liverpool posted a loss before tax of £57million last season as their Champions League absence and soaring administrative costs took their toll.

After a loss of £9m the previous year, a £38m drop in media revenue for 2023-24, combined with an increase of a similar amount in general expenses, resulted in the club spending a second season in the red.

While commercial revenue rose by £36m to surpass £300m for the first time, and matchday income rose by £22m thanks to the opening of the new Anfield Road stand, staff costs – primarily wages and associated bonuses – increased by £13m to £386million.

Liverpool announce £57m loss in clear cost of Champions League absence	Liverpool FC announce £57m loss in clear cost of Champions League absence	Liverpool post record £57m loss after paying Jurgen Klopp and his backroom staff £9.6m

That was in part down to bonuses due for Champions League qualification and a Carabao Cup win last season.

"Operating a financially sustainable club continues to be our priority and, with the continued increase in costs, it’s essential to grow income streams year on year to maintain financial stability," she said.

"The success of our commercial operations, together with the opening of the new Anfield Road Stand, has increased our revenues during this reporting period which demonstrates our desire to continue to compete at the highest levels of football in the men’s and women’s game.

On a positive note, bank debt decreased by £10m to £116m, while the return of Champions League revenues – finishing top of the group stage is believed to have been worth at least £83.8m with a further £47million to play for – plus potential Premier League success, and a fully-operational Anfield Road will provide an important boost to finances which is likely to push the club towards a healthier financial position.