Man City could become the first club to break £100MILLION prize money barrier

Manchester City can become the first club to break the £100million prize money barrier if they went on a run to defend their Champions League title.

UEFA has again increased the pot for bonus payments through the competition, with last year’s total after winning the showpiece final around £85m.

City took home just over £2m a game in the group stage after finishing top with six consecutive victories against RB Leipzig, Young Boys and Red Star Belgrade.

Should they consolidate the 3-1 advantage over Copenhagen in next month’s last-16 second leg, Pep Guardiola’s side will earn a further £9m for reaching the quarter finals for a seventh season on the trot.

City will also be due a sizeable figure for a larger share of the broadcast finances given both Manchester United and Newcastle United failed to qualify for the knockout stages.

And there is another £33m on offer in prizes for progressing through the various rounds this term, while the winners of the final are actually only afforded just under £4m for lifting the trophy.

Guardiola has been positive about City’s chances this term, suggesting that last year’s success has given them additional belief. Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden scored as they eased Copenhagen aside on Tuesday night with City now firm favourites to make the last eight.

‘We’ve got the squad of players [to win it again],’ Foden said. ‘I look around the changing room and still see the determination and hunger – so I don’t see why not.’