Exeter City are set to receive more than £5m from recent player transfers, marking a significant financial boost for the fan-owned club.
According to the club’s accounts, which cover the period up to June 2024, the Grecians made substantial income from several player sales, including Jay Stansfield’s high-profile move from Fulham to Birmingham City in the summer of 2024.
Jay Stansfield
The deal for Stansfield, a former Exeter academy player, saw the club benefit from a sell-on clause, as the 21-year-old moved for a reported £15m, with possible add-ons. This transfer, alongside other sales, has provided Exeter with vital funds to support investment in their first team, academy, and ongoing capital projects.
In addition to Stansfield’s transfer, Exeter City also received £1.5m for striker Millenic Alli, who was sold to an undisclosed club in January 2024. Furthermore, defender Will Aimson made a move to Wigan in July 2024, with the Grecians securing an undisclosed fee for his services. The club’s chief executive emphasized that the transfer income would be paid over several years rather than as a lump sum, which will help the club with financial planning and sustain day-to-day operations.
Not New Success
Exeter’s financial success is not new. The club has consistently produced talent from its academy, with notable players such as Ollie Watkins, Ethan Ampadu, Matt Grimes, and Joel Randell all fetching substantial transfer fees. In total, the club has earned more than £5m from Watkins’ moves to Brentford and Aston Villa alone, alongside a variety of sell-on clauses for other academy graduates.
The club’s annual accounts reveal a pre-tax profit of £182,000 for the year ending June 2024, which is largely attributed to the £3.1m in transfer income received during the 2023-24 season. This includes the sale of striker Sam Nombe to Rotherham United for a record fee, and a £1m windfall from a sell-on clause following Ethan Ampadu’s £7m move from Chelsea to Leeds United.
Exeter’s turnover increased by £725,000 compared to the previous year, but their pre-tax profits dropped by £130,000, largely due to a £1.1m increase in the wages bill. Nonetheless, the club remains financially stable, with the recent influx of transfer income helping to support their ambitions both on and off the pitch.
Writer’s View
Exeter City’s ability to generate significant transfer income through player sales is a testament to their successful youth development and careful financial management. The £5m windfall provides a solid foundation for the club to invest in their future, while also ensuring they remain competitive in League One. As the club continues to produce top-tier talent, it will be interesting to see how they use this financial stability to further their ambitions in the years to come.
