Liverpool’s return to the Champions League has not only reaffirmed their status among Europe’s elite but also significantly boosted their financial standing.
Despite a 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven, the Reds finished atop the new 36-team format, securing a favourable route to the knockout stages while cashing in on substantial prize money.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool have already banked at least £83.8 million (€100m) from the competition. With £47.2 million (€56.5m) still up for grabs, the club could exceed £130 million if they lift the trophy in Munich on May 31.
Factoring in matchday revenue, which ranges between £3 million and £4 million per home game, Liverpool’s financial outlook is stronger than ever.
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As The Athletic’s Phil Buckingham explained in more detail, the prize pot is split in three ways. First is through an equal share (€18.62m for each club). Then performance-related extras before a third part — a new ‘value pillar’ shaped by market pools and coefficients — completes the total.
Each win is worth €2.1 m, with a draw bringing €700,000, and then additional payments for final league position. Qualifying for the last 16 (€11 m), the quarter-finals (€12.5 m), the semi-finals (€15 m) and the final (€18.5 m).
The winners get €6.5 m, and an additional €4 m for featuring in the following season’s European Super Cup. Liverpool’s performance total nearly €40 m, with an additional €40 m expected from the value pillar, reflecting their strong domestic TV deal and European history – setting up a financially strong start to 2025.
Liverpool’s Champions League Windfall: Will FSG Open the Wallet?
Arne Slot’s men are also among the bookies’ favourites to win the competition, ahead of Barcelona, Arsenal, and Real Madrid. Their European dominance, coupled with their Premier League -leading position, has fuelled excitement among fans. The fans are now expecting Fenway Sports Group (FSG) to invest heavily in the squad.
However, The Athletic notes that history suggests a conservative approach from Liverpool’s ownership. Despite last summer’s spending power, the club opted against a major signing in defensive midfield after missing out on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.
“People haven’t seen us do a lot in the transfer window but we’re happy with the squad.”
Slot told the BBC this week,
“In the background, we are working on strengthening the squad for the summer. That would mean that for the upcoming years, we will be able to challenge for every trophy we are playing for.”
The financial surge also comes at a critical juncture. As Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are yet to agree to contract extensions. Fan frustrations has been clear, with banners urging FSG to “Now give Mo his dough.”
Liverpool’s Champions League earnings come from an increased UEFA prize pot, with performance bonuses and a newly introduced “value pillar” contributing to the windfall.
Even a semi-final finish could mark one of the club’s most profitable European campaigns. With Anfield witnessing record revenue figures, all eyes are on FSG. Will they finally loosen the purse strings, or will another quiet summer spark more scrutiny?
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