Agbonlahor: This is what £500K-a-man potential windfall means to West Ham stars
The West Ham squad will be motivated to finish in the top four by the prospect of playing against the "big boys" and not by any potential financial bonuses.
That is the view of former Aston Villa and England striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after a report detailed how much the Irons squad are set to pocket if they secure qualification for next season's Champions League.
The Athletic report the squad will share £10million if they are able to maintain their position in the top four come the end of the season.
David Moyes' side leaped into fourth place on Sunday after their impressive 2-1 win over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Asked whether a potential bonus will serve as extra motivation for the Hammers, Agboblahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “Not really, no.
“The wages that they will be earning…
“You split £10million among 20 players you give them £500,000 each - yes, it’s a lot of money and then when you tax that it’s £250,000 then it’s only two months wages for some of them.
“It’s definitely a big bonus but they’ll just want to play Champions League football because it’s the Champions League - not because of the money.
“You’re playing with the big boys, you’re seeing the club going places.
“The club will reinvest the money they get hopefully on the squad.
“This is what West Ham were promised when they moved into the new stadium to see it happening now every West Ham fan will be buzzing.
“A bonus would be good, but it’s not what they’ll be focusing on.”