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:
13. Aston Villa
Aston Villa can finish between 7th and 18th this season. Based on last season’s Premier League payments, that would net them between £6,493,050 and £30,300,900 in merit payments. Photo: Stephen Pond
14. Brentford
Brentford can finish between 8th and 18th this season. Based on last season’s Premier League payments, that would net them between £6,493,050 and £28,136,550 in merit payments. Photo: Catherine Ivill
15. Southampton
Southampton can finish between 8th and 18th this season. Based on last season’s Premier League payments, that would net them between £6,493,050 and £28,136,550 in merit payments. Photo: Naomi Baker
16. Burnley
Burnley can finish between 9th and 19th this season. Based on last season’s Premier League payments, that would net them between £4,328,700 and £25,972,200 in merit payments. Photo: Alex Livesey