Big big bucks for United and Barca

Manchester United, with 269-million Euros in commercial deals annually, are top of a ranking of European club sponsorship by value.

Barcelona are close behind in second with income of 261-million Euros. They were the only two clubs in England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain to break the 200-million Euro mark for sponsorship.

Research identified 1,769 sponsorship deals, involving 1,156 companies in 50 different sectors, which results in a total sponsorship investment of about 3,918-million Euros across the five top leagues.

The difference between the top two clubs and 11th-placed Borussia Dortmund in Germany is a massive 180-million Euros. The disparity is made even greater by the fact that Dortmund is working hard for their 80-million Euros which comprises 71 deals, more than any of the 10 clubs above them.

While Manchester United is seemingly rolling in the money, that could change at the end of the current season as 11 first team players will reach the end of their current contracts. While some players will have their terms extended, others will have to be replaced – and that could cost the club the proverbial arm and a leg. Captain Antonio Valencia, keeper David de Gea and striker Anthony Martial are among the players who have entered the final year of their contract terms, but all three have clauses that should ensure they stay at the club for another year at least.

The much-maligned defensive duo of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are also out of contract end of the season, as is Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Ashley Young and Juan Mata.