Liverpool, England — Liverpool FC, a global powerhouse in football, is extending its influence further into the Middle East with the announcement of a new international academy in Dubai. This move marks the club’s second foray into the region following the establishment of a centre in Saudi Arabia.
The new Dubai academy, set to cater to young players up to the age of 16, reflects Liverpool’s growing ambition to enhance its global presence. In addition to training aspiring footballers, the academy will offer a coaching education scheme, further solidifying Liverpool’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting the club’s philosophy worldwide.
Liverpool’s expansion into Dubai aligns with its broader strategy to increase its international footprint. Over the past decade, the club has seen significant growth in its commercial income, which currently stands at £272 million. The appointment of Ben Latty as Liverpool’s new Chief Commercial Officer and recent partnerships with major brands such as Malaysia Airlines, STRAUSS, and Lucozade highlight the club’s ongoing efforts to bolster its global brand.
The establishment of the Dubai academy is part of Liverpool’s broader initiative to smash the £300 million barrier in annual commercial income by 2024-25. This follows a pattern of strategic investments, including a £30 million spend on youth development, as analyzed by football finance expert Swiss Ramble. Although the academy’s international ventures are fundamentally commercial, they feed into Liverpool’s primary youth investment strategy, continuing the club’s tradition of producing top talent.
Liverpool’s international presence has evolved significantly in recent years. Historically focused on markets such as Southeast Asia, where they are the most-followed Premier League club, Liverpool has broadened its reach to include the United States, which is now a major overseas market for the team. The club’s global tours, including recent visits to America, Southeast Asia, and Australia, have bolstered its brand exposure and financial returns.
The club’s partnership with Nike, which has allowed Liverpool to benefit from a larger share of sales through a lower base fee, is set to transition to a new deal with Adidas from next season. Despite the change, Liverpool’s emphasis on global brand visibility will remain a core component of their commercial strategy.
As Liverpool continues to invest in its global brand and youth development, the new academy in Dubai is set to play a pivotal role in reinforcing the club’s international appeal and footballing excellence.
