Finance whizz reveals how much money Liverpool will lose if they fail to qualify for Champions League
Liverpool are set to lose out on £52.18million if they fail to qualify for the Champions League this season.
This is according to former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Merseyside club could face significant financial implications if this failure is realised.
Currently, the Reds are sixth in the Premier League after a poor run of form has seen them dip out of the top four.
While a fifth Champions League qualification place is likely to be awarded to England this season, Arne Slot’s side are still two points off Chelsea in this position.
As a result, there is a massive risk that they won’t qualify for Europe’s most prestigious competition this season. However, the financial impact may not be as severe as first thought.
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Stefan Borson: Liverpool won’t be severely damaged if they fail to qualify for the Champions League
Liverpool’s form has been hit and miss for the majority of the campaign, which has led to calls for Slot to be dismissed from the dugout.
One of the key concerns is that the Reds could be flung back into the Europa League, a competition they last competed in during the 2023-24 season.
However, while sporting-wise, a return to the competition would be an embarrassment considering how much they spent on players in the summer, financially, it should not have a massive impact on the club.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “Well, it wouldn’t compare to the damage that would be done by, say, a Spurs relegation, right? It’s not that kind of impact. Liverpool have not always been in the Champions League. They have had seasons where they’ve been in the Europa League.
“I think they were in the Europa two seasons ago, was it? I mean, we know what the impact is, and especially these days. It’s probably a net for a team like Liverpool.
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“You know, look, if they’re in the Europa, they probably get to the final, probably win it, or get very, very close to winning it. So you’ve got to compare what does a final look like versus what you’re likely modelling for the Champions League.
“So you probably model the quarterfinal or round of 16. So probably differences, say €60m- €70m.
“They’re probably charged pretty similar amounts for the home games. So match day
revenue probably largely unaffected.
“So €60m, say. So it has an impact, and it’s straight to the bottom line, that €60m, most of it, because it’s prize money. So it has an impact, but there’s lower bonuses.”
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What are the odds of Liverpool qualifying for the Champions League?
As it stands, Liverpool are predicted to once again qualify for the Champions League this season.
According to Opta on 16 February, they are on track to finish fourth in the Premier League this campaign, beating both Man United and Chelsea to this position.
The Reds’ 3-0 victory over Brighton in the FA Cup on the weekend showed signs that Slot’s side are still capable of dominant victories against tough opposition.
However, it remains to be seen if they are able to do this on a consistent basis, or if they will once again collapse as the season nears its conclusion.