The 2024/25 Premier League season has come to a close, with Liverpool crowned champions and Southampton heading back to the Championship. While fans celebrate glory or brace for disappointment, every club walks away with a financial reward based on their final league position.
This “merit payment” is just one slice of the Premier League’s multi-billion-pound payout structure. From the champions at Anfield to the relegated sides at the bottom, here’s how much each of the 20 clubs earned for where they finished in the table.
20 – Southampton – £2.8m
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Southampton finished rock bottom of the Premier League and were widely regarded as one of the worst top-flight teams in recent memory. Their dismal campaign resulted in a mere £2.8 million in merit payments.
Despite showing moments of fight, Ipswich Town’s return to the Premier League was short-lived. Their 19th-place finish brought in £5.7 million before heading back to the Championship.
Leicester couldn’t avoid the drop in their first season back in the top tier. Their 18th-place position earned the Foxes £8.5 million as they prepare for life in the second division.
17 – Tottenham Hotspur – £11.3m
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Tottenham had a shocking domestic campaign, finishing just above the relegation zone. Despite European competition success, Spurs earned only £11.3 million for their league placement.
16 – Wolverhampton Wanderers – £14m
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Wolves managed to avoid a relegation scare and had some positives under Vítor Pereira. They brought in £14 million for securing 16th, but will aim higher next season.
15 – Manchester United – £16.9m
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A humiliating year for Manchester United saw them finish 15th – one of the lowest in their Premier League history. They received £16.9 million, a far cry from their usual standards.
West Ham’s turbulent season included flashes of promise but little consistency. Their 14th-place finish was worth £19.7 million in prize money.
13 – Everton – £22.5m
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Despite financial struggles off the pitch, Everton kept their place in the league with a solid 13th-place finish. They earned £22.5 million in merit payments.
12 – Crystal Palace – £25.4m
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Palace not only avoided the drop but also won the FA Cup in a memorable campaign. Their 12th-place league finish added £25.4 million to the club’s income.
11 – Fulham – £28.2m
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Fulham delivered another respectable mid-table finish under Marco Silva. Their 11th-place spot secured them a healthy £28.2 million payout.
Aston Villa cemented their status as a European force with a sixth-place finish. That success added £42.2 million to their coffers.
5 – Newcastle United – £45.1m
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Newcastle finished strongly to grab a Champions League spot. Their efforts were rewarded with £45.1 million in merit-based payouts.
4 – Chelsea – £47.9m
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Chelsea bounced back under Enzo Maresca to secure a top-four finish. Their late surge earned them £47.9 million and a place in next season’s UCL.
3 – Manchester City – £50.7m
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City couldn’t retain their crown but still secured a third-place finish. They received £50.7 million despite a relatively underwhelming campaign by their standards.
For the third straight year, Arsenal finished runners-up. Their consistent top-two form brought in £53.5 million as they continue to chase the title.
1 – Liverpool – £56.4m
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In Arne Slot’s debut season, Liverpool stormed to the Premier League title. The champions were rewarded with £56.4 million – the highest merit payment in the league.
