Manchester City’s current value has risen to nearly $5billion (£4.02bn) over the last 12 months, according to Forbes.
This time last year, the Blues were priced at around $4.3billion (£3.46bn) but Forbes' current figures indicate a value increase of 18 per cent. This is despite the Premier League allegations of financial wrongdoing levelled at them, of which the club deny any wrongdoing.
It makes the Blues the fifth most valuable club in the world, although they attained the lowest increase in value in the top five. Real Madrid head the list once again with a value of £4.88bn, slightly higher than Manchester United’s £4.82bn.
ALSO READ: Why Man City rejected Barcelona transfer interest in Joao Cancelo
United have seen their value increase by 30 per cent over the past year amid the takeover process after the Glazers announced the club was up for sale in November. Madrid stay at the summit despite running on a £30.5m operating loss.
In contrast, the report says, City are working on a world-high £140m operating income. The Blues are also generating the most revenue at £656m.
Forbes claims City rake in £1.44bn in broadcasting revenue and £1.52bn in commercial income while match day income tallies at £321m. Going by the figures estimated by Forbes, City have experienced a 481 per cent increase in valuation over the past decade, being priced at £690m in 2014.
Liverpool rank fourth on the list, just behind Barcelona, valued at £4.25bn. Bayern Munich (£3.91bn), Paris Saint-Germain (£3.38bn, but with an operating loss of £176m), Chelsea (£2.49bn), Tottenham (£2.25bn) and Arsenal (£1.82bn) all make up the top 10.
Newcastle are the biggest risers with a 51 per cent increase on last year to £639m as the Saudi-backed takeover reaps success. The top 20 most valuable clubs in the world now average at £2.32bn, 14 per cent higher than 12 months ago.
Forbes says this is due to rising investment interests in the globe’s biggest football franchises, rather than revenues.
READ NEXT:
