Manchester City’s early exit from the Champions League has led to a significant financial setback, according to the Daily Express.
The club’s defeat to Real Madrid in the round of 16, marking their first exit at this stage since 2013, ended their hopes of advancing further in the competition. The aggregate score was 6-3 in favor of Madrid, with Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick in the second leg sealing City’s fate.
As a result, City will miss out on £9.3 million in prize money from UEFA, along with the potential £44 million they could have earned as they progressed further.
However, participation in FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup next summer offers some financial relief. FIFA has allocated £41 million to the 32 teams involved, with City standing to earn more if they win the tournament.
To offset some of the financial loss, Manchester City has been active in the transfer market. In January, they brought in several new signings, including Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, and Abdukodir Khusanov. The club also saw captain Kyle Walker leave on loan to AC Milan. Pep Guardiola has hinted at further acquisitions, with players like Florian Wirtz and Andrea Cambiaso reportedly being targeted.
Despite the Champions League disappointment, Guardiola reaffirmed his commitment to the club by signing a two-year contract extension in November. Speaking to Movistar, he said, “Yes, yes, yes, I’m going to stay [at City],” emphasizing his long-term dedication to the team’s success.
