• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Tune in on Dec. 11 at 1:05 p.m. ET for our last Future of Sports virtual summit of the year – Future of Sports: Marketing! Register Now

Liverpool Are No Longer Europe’s Underdogs

  • The Reds lost out on both the Premier League title and EPL’s Player of the Season to Manchester City.
  • They will attempt to win their second UCL title in four years.
UEFA Champions League

Attempting to win their second Champions League title in four years Saturday, Liverpool are clearly one of Europe’s elite clubs — but it still feels like the Reds are playing with a chip on their shoulder.

The reason could be a pair of recent setbacks at the hands of Premier League rivals Manchester City.

The Sky Blues won the EPL title on the final day of the season — denying Liverpool an ultra-rare English quadruple. Then, City’s Kevin de Bruyne won Player of the Season over Mohamed Salah, despite the latter co-leading in goals with Tottenham’s Son Hyung-Min (23) and being first in assists (13).

But with their foreseeable future secured, the Reds won’t feel inferior in the final against Spanish titans Real Madrid.

  • Salah recently committed to play next season in the final year of his approximately $252,000/week contract, amid ongoing extension talks.
  • Manager Jurgen Klopp recently extended through 2026.
  • Liverpool’s defensive core — Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Alisson Becker — are locked in with multiyear deals.

There’s at least one question mark this offseason: Forward Sadio Mane, who said he’ll reveal his future plans after the final, has been linked to Bayern Munich.

But for American owners Fenway Sports Group, a second European Cup with Liverpool (+105 favorites) would be just the latest proof of the firm’s reputation for revitalizing legendary franchises.

The holding company, led by John Henry, famously took the Boston Red Sox to a long-awaited World Series title in 2004 — and will now attempt to work its magic on the Pittsburgh Penguins and a potential NBA team.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Soccer

U.S. Buyers Snap Up Yet Another English Soccer Club in Sheffield United

The recently relegated club has agreed to sell to new owners.
Sponsored

Racing Forward: How SailGP is Redefining High-Performance Sailing and Championing Gender Equality

SailGP is redefining high-performance sailing through their bold commitment to gender equality and their Women’s Performance Program.
Oct 19, 2024; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Fifa president Gianni Infantino (left) and Inter Miami CF co-owner Jose Mas (right) celebrate Inter Miami CF post match against the New England Revolution at Chase Stadium.

Club World Cup Ends Up on DAZN After Apple Deal Falls Through

DAZN will stream all 63 tournament matches for free starting next June.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
November 30, 2024

U.S. Investors Are Gunning for England’s Small Soccer Clubs

Is another Hollywood-like success story possible among the U.K.’s smallest clubs?

As Wizards Hit Historic Low, Leonsis Calls Season ‘Very Productive’

They’re on pace for one of the worst records in NBA history.
December 9, 2024

McLaren F1 Team Nearly Folded in 2020. An American Exec Just Led..

An investment from MSP Sports Capital in 2020 saved McLaren.
December 9, 2024

Have Mets Upended New York’s Baseball Hierarchy With Soto Deal?

The National League team sheds its image as an often-lovable underdog.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Old Commanders logo
December 6, 2024

Commanders Plan to Bring Back Old Logo on Special Alumni Merchandise

The Commanders are bringing back their old logo in limited fashion.
December 3, 2024

As LeBron James Struggles, Lakers—and NBA—Face Murky Future

In October, James had said he wanted to play all 82 games.
Dec 1, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) celebrates with center Alperen Sengun (28) after scoring during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center.
December 2, 2024

Rockets Look Like Contenders, but Payroll Questions Loom

Houston is a half-game out of first in the Western Conference.
December 2, 2024

Red Bull Faces Driver, Financial Questions After Pérez’s Exit

Sergio Pérez is trailing Max Verstappen by 227 points in the championship.