March 11 – Portugal’s Benfica have reported a record €104.2 million first-half profit for 2019/20, largely due to the sale of one player. Last year the club reported a profit of €14.1 million.
Portuguese forward João Félix was the reason for the uplift following his sale to Spain’s Atletico Madrid, who paid €126 million for the 20-year-old in July.
Revenues for the period were also up 94.3% to €244.3 million to achieve the club’s best ever financial performance over the six months ending 31st December.
The club’s operating income without player transfers amounted to €101.9 million, an 8.8% increase on the same period in 2018/19.
Player related revenues delivered € 137.0 million, versus €29.6 million last year.
Benfica now look on course to beat their 2018/19 financial year revenue, which saw the club bring in more than €300 million (US$338.8 million) for the first time.
Benfica’s net debt on December 31 2019 was €45.8 million – which the club say has been decreased by €189.5 million since June 2016 and is the lowest it has been in recent years.
Benfica look to be on course to surpass 2018/19 revenue, which saw the club bring in more than €300 million.
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