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:
17. Leeds United
Leeds United 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: George Wood
18. Everton
Everton can finish between 9th and 20th this season. Based on last season’s Premier League payments, that would net them between £2,164,350 and £25,972,200 in merit payments. Photo: Michael Regan
19. Watford
Watford can finish between 16th and 20th this season. Based on last season’s Premier League payments, that would net them between £2,164,350 and £10,821,750 in merit payments. Photo: Tony Marshall
20. Norwich City
Norwich City can finish between 18th and 20th this season. Based on last season’s Premier League payments, that would net them between £2,164,350 and £6,493,050 in merit payments. Photo: Stephen Pond