PSV’s €284 million squad dwarfs Shakhtar’s €190 million line‑up before Champions League duel

In the Philips Stadium, a financial contrast will be central on Thursday evening: PSV Eindhoven, with a market value estimated by Transfermarkt at €284.45 million, host Shakhtar Donetsk, valued at €189.6 million, for their first Champions League match. The meeting at 18.45 promises an exciting battle between the paper favorite and the Ukrainian guests.

Peter Bosz's team is considered on paper the favorite against the Ukrainians. His squad, the Eindhoven side, has, according to the figures, a clear financial advantage.

Market value difference between the clubs

According to Transfermarkt, the total market value of PSV is €284.45 million, while Shakhtar Donetsk stands at €189.6 million. The difference is well over €95 million.

On average, a PSV player costs €9.18 million, compared with €5.58 million per Shakhtar player. These figures underline the higher investments of the Eindhoven side.

Value per position

Ricardo Pepi is, at €30 million, the most expensive PSV player, followed by Paul Wanner (€22 million) and Jerdy Schouten and Lutsharel Geertruida (each €20 million). PSV's goalkeepers have a combined value of €10.25 million.

At Shakhtar, Kauã Elias (€15 million) tops the list, supplemented by Mykola Matvienko, Marlon Gomes and Gabriel Carvalho (each €12 million) and Isaque (€11 million). Shakhtar's goalkeepers cost a total of €10 million.

In defense the difference is greatest: PSV has invested €104.55 million compared with €45.8 million at Shakhtar, a gap of €58.75 million. The midfield of the Eindhoven side (€88 million) also outweighs that of the Ukrainians (€37 million).

Notably, Shakhtar's attacking line (€96.8 million) is more expensive than PSV's (€81.65 million). Nevertheless, PSV remains on paper the favorite for the Thursday evening match.