Tottenham have been dealt a considerable blow to their summer transfer plans following their defeat to AC Milan. The Champions League is known to be one of the most lucrative club cup competitions in the world, with the total purse valued at an eye-watering €2billion (£1.78bn) this season.
The prize money payout sees performance-based incentives contribute towards 55 per cent of the total purse and the rest is split across the 32 group stage participants; 30 per cent rewards coefficient rankings and the remaining 15 per cent stems from broadcasting money.
Last term, Real Madrid won the Champions League and raked in a staggering €83.2m (£73.9m) in performance-based prize money alone. And, a large majority of that was cashed-in by progressing through the knockout stages — which Tottenham have failed to take advantage of this season.
READ MORE: What Richarlison can't understand about Antonio Conte's Tottenham call vs Milan as he makes vow
It would be unfair to expect Spurs to win the Champions League but Antonio Conte's side fell at the first hurdle by losing to AC Milan in the round of 16. As a result, the north London outfit missed out on a healthy £9.4m windfall which could prove costly in the summer.
DON'T MISS:Daniel Levy dealt difficult sack decision as Antonio Conte relationship with Tottenham revealed
Tottenham's best two summer transfers highlight the glaring problem under Antonio Conte
Antonio Conte's future, Tottenham's Ten Hag regret, the Pochettino decision and reckless Romero
To put it into perspective, Tottenham signed Gareth Bale from Southampton for £7m, Dele Alli for £5m and Kieran Trippier for £3.5m. While the transfer market has, in fairness, inflated significantly in recent years, Spurs could now miss out on a bargain at the end of the season.
Last month, Daniel Levy stressed the importance of streamlining the club's recruitment choices, admitting that Tottenham have made transfer mistakes in the past. In an official statement, the Spurs chairman said: "Since opening the stadium in April 2019, we have invested over £500million in our Men’s First Team squad – putting us in the top five of spending in the Premier League – with a further £47m commitment in the January window, as we continue to support the team in the world’s most competitive league.
"Our spend levels show we have invested in the team – however, we walk a fine line between long-term investment and short-termism. This is why our recruitment must be first class as mistakes at this level have a financial and sporting impact for future seasons.
"We have felt, and continue to feel, the financial impact of supporting player purchases which have not worked out as planned. We have taken steps to improve this area of operations and we believe the recent transfer windows reflect this."
READ NEXT:
Antonio Conte points Daniel Levy to Mauricio Pochettino after Tottenham Champions League exit
Every word Antonio Conte said on his Tottenham future, speaking to Daniel Levy and Milan defeat
Tottenham player ratings vs AC Milan: Reckless Romero and Son, Kane, Kulusevski and Perisic poor
Angry Conte, Son and Kulusevski provide same answer - 5 things spotted in Tottenham vs AC Milan
Tottenham fans make Antonio Conte and Daniel Levy feelings clear with Mauricio Pochettino call
READ MORE: Antonio Conte can discover his new Tottenham gamechanger vs AC Milan on one condition
