‘Sunderland face big hit as £20m payout revealed’ – Stefan Borson
Sunderland are preparing for life back in the Premier League following their dramatic play-off final victory over Sheffield United.
Regis Le Bris’s side came back from 1-0 down at half-time to win 2-1, with the outgoing Tom Watson scoring a 95th-minute winner.
The Championship final at Wembley is often referred to as the richest game in football, as promotion comes with huge financial benefits for second-tier clubs.
Finance expert Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider promotion to the Premier League will be worth a minimum of £100million in prize money for the Black Cats.
Football Insider revealed on 29 May Sunderland’s hierarchy will make “big” funds available for a summer transfer overhaul.
The Black Cats finished fourth in the regular season before going on to win the play-offs despite losing each of their last five league games.
Sunderland’s turnover improved from £35.5million in 2022-23 to £38.2million in 2023-24, while their wage bill increased from £25.6million to £31.4million across the same period.
Sunderland land guaranteed £100m windfall
Borson revealed Sunderland likely have to pay out up to £20million in promotion bonuses after securing their long-awaited return to the Premier League.
He told Football Insider: “We know that promotion is worth over £100million in minimum prize money.
“Clearly, if they can outperform expectation and somehow get themselves into mid-table, then it’s worth another £50million.
“I think it’s unlikely, so you’re probably looking at £100-120million of additional revenue.
“We know also that almost all of these clubs have big promotion bonuses. Most of the clubs have a £20million promotion bonus within the squad, so that’s a big hit.
“On top of that, almost all the clubs have stepped up wages and big step-ups to the point where you’re talking about wages doubling.
“I don’t know what Sunderland’s wage bill was last season, but it’ll be relatively modest because of where they’ve come from.
“But it’s going to double, so that’s going to cut into the additional revenue as well.
“Then on top of that, you’ve got the signings.”
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points |
| 1 | Leeds United (C) | 46 | 29 | 13 | 4 | 100 |
| 2 | Burnley (P) | 46 | 28 | 16 | 2 | 100 |
| 3 | Sheffield United | 46 | 28 | 8 | 10 | 90 |
| 4 | Sunderland (P) | 46 | 21 | 13 | 12 | 76 |
| 5 | Coventry | 46 | 20 | 9 | 17 | 69 |
| 6 | Bristol City | 46 | 17 | 17 | 12 | 68 |
Sunderland star verbally agrees Borussia Dortmund deal
Football Insider revealed on 28 May Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham has verbally agreed to join Borussia Dortmund.
The 19-year-old midfielder is ready to finalise terms with the Bundesliga giants after helping clinch promotion at the Stadium of Light.
Tottenham and Chelsea have also shown interest in Bellingham, but Dortmund look set to win the race for his signature.
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