The Wage Race – Does Money Buy Success?

AS the summer approaches, many Liverpool supporters will be debating which players will exit and which players will be on their way in.

Much of the discussion regarding recent transfer window transactions for the Reds has revolved around the amount of money spent versus the performance or production of the player. Others will say that Liverpool need to spend more money to acquire world class talent that will bring the club silverware.

One thing is for certain, higher wages do not automatically assure silverware.

Let’s look at Arsenal. Arsenal will win no silverware this campaign, that is certain. This is despite of the fact that the club spends $132,002,699 in annual wages. This figure ranks Arsenal as the 16th highest annual payroll of any athletic team in the world. The figure equates to each player earning an average annual salary of $5,280,108 or $101,541 per week per player which also ranks them 16th of all athletic teams in the world, regardless of sport.

It will come as no shock to anyone that Chelsea greatly outspends the Reds. When the two clubs faced off twice throughout the past seven days (which Liverpool wins on aggregate 5-3, unfortunate the FA Cup isn’t in two legs), Liverpool was facing an opponent that is ranked 4th of all athletic teams in the entire world in average weekly payroll wages.

The London club spends roughly $12,000 more per week per player than the New York Yankees, notoriously known for outrageous compensation for players. Chelsea pays each player on average $130,690 per week. The club offers players an average annual compensation of $6,795,899, which is 29.92% more than the Reds players.

Chelsea’s payroll increased by 13% this year when compared to last year. We don’t need to discuss the silverware that Chelsea won this year…

Manchester United will win no silverware this campaign (City had better ensure that) despite being ranked 11th of all sporting teams in average weekly payroll. Weekly wages for Manchester United are $106,181 per player on average. The club increased wages 8% in the year over last year and have a total payroll of $138,035,567.

The blue side of Manchester is known for their conservative approach to finances (read with a distinct sound of sarcasm). The Blue Moon is clearly rising, along with the payroll as the clubs wages increased a staggering 26% year over year. The club is ranked 3rd of all sporting teams in average weekly wages, up from number 10 last year. The club spends a whopping 42% more in total payroll than Liverpool.

Manchester City holds their own destiny in their hands as they just need to eek out their points this weekend to win the league.

Liverpool is ranked 17 of all sporting teams with average weekly wages of $100,587 per player. The club grew wages a modest 6% year over year and has a total payroll of $130,763,119, $54,330,739 less than Manchester City.

*Salary figures courtesy of ESPN The Money Issue, 05/02/2012

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