Leeds United will pocket £113.3m minimum if relegation is avoided this season
The Premier League rewards teams handsomely for their final position in the table and Leeds United are looking at a nine-figure prize.
Leeds United currently sit 15th in the Premier League after finishing the first half of the season in good form. However, the Whites still sit just two points off the drop zone and are aware of the threat of relegation.
Jesse Marsch arrived at Elland Road last year to steer Leeds clear of the bottom three, and if he does so again the club are looking at a huge prize fund.
As reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, the side who finish 17th - just outside of the drop zone - will pocket £113.3million as a reward.
If Leeds manage to maintain their spot in 15th, then that prize inflates to £120.4million. If Marsch remarkably manages to replicate Leeds' 2020/21 finish of ninth place, then £131.5million will be injected into the club.
Survival instinct
If survival wasn't already absolutely essential this season then the financial rewards only add to the motivation.
Leeds are facing a possible takeover from American investors 49ers Enterprises [The Times], and a large part of their project will be ensuring Leeds stay in the top flight.
If relegation becomes a reality this season, then the takeover could hit the rocks and the long-term vision at Elland Road could quickly dissipate.
Current owner Andrea Radrizzani is keen to expand the stadium and improve the club's facilities, but none of that seems possible if Leeds drop back to the Championship.
Marsch will hope that his side can wedge a gap between Leeds and the bottom three when the Premier League resumes, but he'll also know that his side now boasts survival experience from last season if they are forced to fight their way out once again.
Everything points to this season being absolutely crucial to Leeds United's plans.
In other Leeds United news, Crysencio Summerville was spotted lying on the floor for minutes before receiving treatment in training