Premier League prize money per place and what it means for Sunderland | OneFootball

Sunderland’s strong run has left them eyeing Europe and a sizeable uplift in Premier League merit payments.

Regis Le Bris’ side have beaten arch-rivals Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur either side of the international break, climbing to 10th, two points off the top six and six behind Liverpool in fifth, the final Champions League place. According to Sunderland Echo, the figures reflect combined UK and international merit payments only, excluding equal share and commercial income.

Hold 10th and they will bank about £29.1m in merit money alone, roughly covering summer fees for Nordi Mukiele £12m, Robin Roefs £11.5m and Bertrand Traore £2.5m, with about £3.1m spare.

Climb into seventh, currently Brentford, and the total would move beyond £35m, while catching Liverpool in the top five would be worth £42.4m.

This weekend’s opponents Aston Villa sit fourth and are set for £45.0m on current standings, while Newcastle’s slide to 14th points to £18.6m.

Sunderland have not finished in the top half since 2010/11, when Steve Bruce oversaw a 10th-placed finish featuring Asamoah Gyan, Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck. Six games remain, and several look winnable, offering a chance to nudge the final payout higher.

Source: Sunderland Echo