Beckham deal ‘bad news for Premier League’

David Beckham’s new multi-million pound deal is ‘‘bad news’’ for the Premiership, according to a leading football analyst.

The Manchester United star today ended months of negotiation by clinching a new deal that ties him to Old Trafford until June 2005.

Such was United’s determination to secure the 27-year-old’s signature that he has virtually been able to name his price Beckham will receive a one-off back-payment of around £4.6million, plus an estimated £90-100,000 a week including image rights.

That represents a rise of just under 300% for the England skipper, and one of the reasons why United’s wage bill had risen by a staggering £9.5million over the six-month period to January.

The mammoth figures contrast with the bleak financial news becoming part and parcel of football outside the Premiership’s top sides.

And Nigel Hawkins, a City football analyst, has claimed that Beckham’s deal is further evidence of the ever-growing wedge being driven between clubs in Britain.

He told PA Sport: ‘‘It is creating an even bigger gap between the top clubs basically football is the only common factor nowadays.

‘‘Major wage increases are a matter of serious concern, but I think in Beckham’s case it is very much a one-off.

‘‘It is no surprise that United are prepared to shell out more money for his unique services.

‘‘For one player to be paid £4-5million, he has to be of outstanding talent and with a personality over and above that, and that’s what Beckham has.’’

Hawkins suggested that in the long term the widening gap between clubs would lead eventually to a European league.

He added: ‘‘It’s bad news for the Premier League in the long run, particularly when the TV money goes down, and I think you’ll see in future a European league come into play for the very top clubs.

‘‘There will then be a re-organisation between the lesser sides, plus some of the bigger clubs in the First Division and probably involving Celtic and Rangers too.’’

United’s current status means they will have little difficulty in coping with the increased demands placed upon them by Beckham.

The club see the deal as a one-off and point out that players’ salaries remain less than 50% of turnover, which is the figure recommended by financial analysts.

Despite the large rise in players’ wages United still posted a £13.6million increase in pre-tax profits.

The Old Trafford club made £30.9million compared to £17.3million in the previous six-month period, while turnover rose to £81.8million.

Pre-tax profits were boosted by Jaap Stam’s £16.5million move to Lazio and Andy Cole’s £8million transfer to Blackburn.

Profits less player sales showed a much smaller rise and they increased from £20.7million to £23.6million.

United have been boosted by the new three-year television deal with BSkyB and ITV, which began this season, and television income increased by a massive 60% to £24.2million.

United’s profitability looks assured for the foreseeable future and their new sponsorship deal with Nike, worth £303million over 13 years, begins in August.