Newcastle United have been handed a major boost as far as their Champions League dream is concerned - without even kicking a ball last night.
It's understood that the United squad watched on with great interest as the news was confirmed with Eddie Howe and his players now getting an extra boost to push for Europe's top table in the last eight matches.
The Magpies moved up to fifth place in the top-flight on Monday night after a 3-0 win over Leicester City. And that position has now been rubber-stamped as a Champions League slot after Arsenal's victory over Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium in the quarter-final first leg.
England are top of UEFA's nation coefficient rankings for 2024/25, ahead of Spain in second and Italy in third. With five Premier League teams in Europe, England have more sides still competing than any other country. Italy were the only team capable of knocking England off the top of the rankings but the win for the Gunners guarantees top place for the Prem.
Newcastle still have to fight off Man City for fifth place but have a game in hand and must face fourth place Chelsea at home which could increase their chances of a top four finish. But with Eddie Howe's squad knowing fifth place is an open pathway to the Champions League.
Teams who qualify for the group stages of the Champions League are guaranteed a £15.7m jackpot which would boost Newcastle's PSR needs. And things could get even better for the Premier League if Tottenham Hotspur or Man United win the Europa League as it would see six teams in the Champions League next term.
Full prize funding list
- Winner: £21.5m
- Runner-up: £15.9m
- Semi-finals: £12.9m
- Quarter-finals: £10.7m
- Round-of-16: £9.4m
