At the end of every season, Premier League teams are paid prize money based on where they finish the season.
This is labelled as a ‘merit payment’ to each club and increases the further up the table you finish - giving clubs an extra incentive to finish as high as possible, even when they may have little to play for on the field.
As the season draws to a close, Newcastle United find themselves in that position and whilst they are yet to mathematically secure their Premier League status, it looks likely that they will be playing top-flight football again next season.
The Magpies have three games of the season left to play and here, using last season’s Premier League payments figures, we take a look at how their final placing after these games could impact their end of season financial rewards:
5. Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur can finish between 3rd and 8th this season. Based on last season’s Premier League payments, that would net them between £28,136,550 and £38,958,300 in merit payments. Photo: Catherine Ivill
6. Manchester United
Manchester United can finish between 4th and 8th this season. Based on last season’s Premier League payments, that would net them between £28,136,550 and £36,793,950 in merit payments. Photo: Catherine Ivill
7. West Ham
West Ham can finish between 5th and 13th this season. Based on last season’s Premier League payments, that would net them between £17,314,800 and £34,629,600 in merit payments. Photo: Eddie Keogh
8. Wolves
Wolves can finish between 5th and 15th this season. Based on last season’s Premier League payments, that would net them between £12,986,100 and £34,629,600 in merit payments. Photo: Michael Regan