Gary Neville has voiced his opinion how much Newcastle United will gain from Champions League Qualification this year.
Newcastle who are currently sitting fourth in the Premier League table, just one point behind third-placed Nottingham Forest with five matches remaining in their campaign. Champions League qualification would of course have a significant impact on next season, as well as giving the team a significant financial boost.
Financial constraints have plagued Newcastle United as they pursue Champions League qualification while navigating the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Former Manchester United defender Neville explained how PSR regulations have created a challenging environment for the Magpies despite their wealthy Saudi-backed ownership.
“The Champions League has always been big but because of PSR now and the financial position that a lot of these clubs find themselves in, we know that Villa, Newcastle and other clubs are under pressure with this £60m, £70m Champions League pot that comes their way. It’s become huge. It’s incredible,” he said on his podcast.
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During their 2023-24 Champions League campaign, Newcastle pocketed £29.8 million ($39.8m) in prize money despite being knocked out at the group stage which represented nearly 10% of their total revenue that season. They missed out on European competition entirely in 2024-25.
For the upcoming 2025/26 season, Newcastle have already secured at least Conference League football through their Carabao Cup win. However, the revenue difference between European competitions is stark.
Champions League qualification likely to bring in a minimum of €37m (£31m), while Europa League would yield around €12m (£10m), and Conference League just €5m (£4.2m).
“It’s sad in some ways this desperation to get in there and have to get in there for some of the clubs, but I think a lot of them are dependent upon it. It’s unthinkable that [Manchester] City wouldn’t be in the Champions League. I think they will get in there, but then you think of Newcastle and how well they have done; Chelsea and the money they have spent to get in there; and Nottingham Forest, who looked like they were clear a week or two ago,” Neville stated.
Newcastle United last five games of the season are against Ipswich Town, Brighton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton. Eddie Howe’s squad faces a season-defining run-in that could shape both their competitive standing and financial outlook for the next year.
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