Leicester: Will FA Cup prize money go into transfer fund?

Brendan Rodgers’ side will embark on a monumental quest to become the first Leicester City squad to triumph in their hunt for the FA Cup trophy.

The stage is being set for the occasion of the FA Cup Final at Wembley on Saturday, May 15. The anticipatory clash would see Rodgers’ men attempt to crack through Chelsea’s imperishable defense.

Tuchel has turned Chelsea‘s season around its axis as they remain as Goliath coming into this fixture. On the other hand, Rodgers’ City always prides itself as being the underdogs. The London side had last won the competition on its 137th edition during the 2017–18 season. Last year they failed to win against their bitter rivals, Arsenal.

In due course of East Midland’s history, Leicester City has lost four FA Cup Finals. No other team has made it to the big game that many times without lifting the silverware once. The team will thus be very motivated to turn their misfortunes this time around.

The significance of FA Cup for Leicester City

FA Cup is the most prestigious and oldest national football competition in the world. But in the modern era of football, so many other tournaments have reduced FA Cup as just another silverware that helps a club with their trophy count. That is not the case for aspiring clubs like the Foxes, who give due diligence to the competition’s prestige and heritage.

After winning the Premier League against all odds, the King Power club has finally found its next big pedestal. Conquering the trophy would bring a lot of joy to the fans during these troubled times. While grasping the trophy remains the top priority, the added financial benefits that tag along with it work as a bonus. The path to the finals has already earned City over £1.5 million in prize money.

The two branching possibilities

If City can come out on top as the victors, then the prize money will rise to another £1.8 million, which takes the total tally over £3.3 million from the competition. However, unfortunately, if they were to come up short, then as runners-up, they will be given an extra £900,000, taking the total prize fund aggregate around £2.4 million.

There is a “substantial cut” made in the prize money due to the ongoing global pandemic. Last season, FA Cup winners were paid £3.6 million. The runners-up received £1.8 million, which means that the prize money has been cut by 50% this edition.

The extra bit of prize money could aid the Foxes slightly; management is keen on making moves during the upcoming summer transfer window. Aside from the domestic cup, City expects to earn their Champions League qualification for next season. To play the European nights, LCFC would need a squad of that calibre. Leicester City has already started making ripples around the European market to reinforce their depth.