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.
These merit payments are expected to rise from last season with every position in the league table now worth roughly £3.1m.
Newcastle, who finished in 11th place last season and earned slightly more than £20m in ‘merit payments’, could be set for a windfall this season as they eye a finish
Here, based on last season’s merit payments, we take a look at how much each Premier League side would earn this season if the table was to end exactly how it looks right now.
1. Newcastle United's owners
This is how much Newcastle United and their Premier League rivals could net from 'merit payments' this season. Photo: Stu Forster
2. Southampton
Based on last season’s figures, Southampton will earn at least £2,057,220 in merit payments if they finish 20th this season. Photo: GLYN KIRK
3. Bournemouth
Based on last season’s figures, Bournemouth will earn at least £4,114,440 in merit payments if they finish 19th this season. Photo: Ryan Pierse
4. West Ham
Based on last season’s figures, West Ham will earn at least £6,171,660 in merit payments if they finish 18th this season. Photo: MICHAEL REGAN