Which Premier League strugglers can least afford the drop? | OneFootball

After two seasons without a genuine scrap, the Premier League’s relegation battle is back and heavyweights are glancing over their shoulders. NY Times says Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers look marooned, yet West Ham’s uptick has dragged others into the mire.

For 18th-placed West Ham, 24 points, GD -17, relegation would cut last season’s £131m TV income to roughly £55m with parachutes, likely halving revenue. Contracts carry 50% wage drops and stadium rent would halve, but assets beyond Jarrod Bowen are limited.

Nottingham Forest have dismissed Sean Dyche and juggle PSR strain, a £77m operating loss and reliance on £100m player sales. Europa League progress, with Fenerbahce of Türkiye next, helps, though a 52,000 City Ground project would be tougher if they fell.

Tottenham, five points above the bottom three and in the Champions League last 16, sacked Thomas Frank. A first drop for a circa £600m-revenue club would be unprecedented, despite strong commercial streams and a £249m wage bill.

Leeds have ridden this before and plan to begin a 53,000 Elland Road rebuild after the season, simpler if they stay up. After their last drop, commercial income dipped only 10% and wages shrank to £84m, yet another relegation would slow momentum.

Brighton’s decade of progress, £222m turnover and Tony Bloom’s backing suggest resilience, with saleable assets such as Carlos Baleba. Crystal Palace are eight points clear but rely heavily on TV money, and near-£80m January spending means any drop would likely trigger sales.

Source: NY Times