The 20 Highest-Paid Centre-Backs in the Premier League (2025) – Ranked

August 26, 2025 Oliver Obel

The Premier League is home to some of the best defenders in world football, and clubs are willing to pay handsomely to secure their services. From experienced leaders to emerging stars, this list highlights the 20 highest-paid centre-backs in England’s top flight as of 2024. Starting from the bottom, here’s a breakdown of who makes the cut.

20. Levi Colwill – Chelsea (£100,000-per-week)

Levi Colwill is one of Chelsea’s most exciting young defenders and already earns a six-figure weekly wage. His versatility and potential make him a long-term asset for the Blues, who see him as part of their future core.

19. Nikola Milenkovic – Nottingham Forest (£105,000-per-week)

Milenkovic arrived at Nottingham Forest with a solid reputation from Serie A. His £105,000 weekly wage shows how ambitious Forest have become in competing for proven defensive talent.

18. Leny Yoro – Manchester United (£115,000-per-week)

At just 18 years old, Leny Yoro is already among the best-paid centre-backs in the league. Manchester United see him as a generational talent and a crucial part of their defensive future.

17. Riccardo Calafiori – Arsenal (£120,000-per-week)

Riccardo Calafiori shone at Euro 2024 and secured a move to Arsenal, where he quickly became a fan favorite. His £120,000 weekly salary reflects his rapid rise in European football.

16. Tosin Adarabioyo – Chelsea (£120,000-per-week)

After making the switch to Chelsea, Tosin Adarabioyo secured a lucrative contract worth £120,000 per week. His strong aerial ability and composure on the ball make him a reliable option for the Blues.

15. Lisandro Martinez – Manchester United (£120,000-per-week)

The Argentine defender brings tenacity and passion to Manchester United’s backline. Despite injury setbacks, his leadership and aggression ensure he remains a key figure.

14. Jarrad Branthwaite – Everton (£120,000 per week)

Jarrad Branthwaite is Everton’s defensive jewel and one of England’s most promising centre-backs. His weekly salary of £120,000 reflects his rapid rise and growing importance for club and country.

13. Gabriel Magalhães – Arsenal (£150,000-per-week)

Gabriel Magalhaes — Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com

Gabriel has become one of Arsenal’s most reliable defenders, forming a rock-solid partnership with William Saliba. His £150,000-per-week salary reflects his vital role in the Gunners’ title-contending side.

12. Ben White – Arsenal (£150,000 per week)

Ben White is another key figure in Arsenal’s defensive structure and is highly valued for his versatility. On £150,000 per week, he plays both as a centre-back and right-back, offering Arteta flexibility in multiple systems.

11. Nathan Ake – Manchester City (£160,000-per-week)

Though often used at left-back under Pep Guardiola, Nathan Ake is a natural centre-back. His £160,000 weekly wage rewards his adaptability and reliability in a trophy-winning side.

10. Ruben Dias – Manchester City (£180,000-per-week)

Rúben Dias — Photo: ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Ruben Dias has won the Premier League every season since joining Manchester City. A defensive rock and leader at the back, his £180,000-per-week salary reflects his world-class status.

9. Manuel Akanji – Manchester City (£180,000-per-week)

Manuel Akanji has proven himself as one of Guardiola’s most trusted players. His versatility across the backline and consistent performances justify his £180,000 weekly pay.

8. William Saliba – Arsenal (£190,000-per-week)

William Saliba is widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world. At 23, his £190,000 weekly wage reflects Arsenal’s commitment to keeping him at the heart of their project.

7. Harry Maguire – Manchester United (£190,000-per-week)

Once the world’s most expensive defender, Harry Maguire continues to earn big wages at Old Trafford. Despite ups and downs, he remains an important and experienced option in Erik ten Hag’s squad.

6. Cristian Romero – Tottenham (£190,000 per week)

Cristian Romero is a key figure in Tottenham’s backline, bringing aggression and passion to their defense. On £190,000 per week, the World Cup-winning Argentine has established himself as one of Spurs’ most valuable assets.

5. Matthijs de Ligt – Manchester United (£195,000-per-week)

United paid a premium to land Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. The Dutchman’s £195,000-per-week salary comes with high expectations as he reunites with Erik ten Hag.

4. Wesley Fofana – Chelsea (£200,000-per-week)

Despite battling injuries, Wesley Fofana earns a huge £200,000 weekly wage at Chelsea. If he can stay fit, he has the potential to justify every penny with his talent.

3. Joško Gvardiol – Manchester City (£200,000 per week)

Joško Gvardiol’s move to Manchester City made him one of the most expensive defenders ever. At £200,000 per week, the Croatian star is expected to be a key figure in City’s defense for the next decade.

2. John Stones – Manchester City (£250,000 per week)

John Stones has transformed his career under Pep Guardiola, becoming one of the most complete defenders in the league. His £250,000 per week salary highlights his status as a world-class centre-back.

1. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool (£350,000 per week)

vVirgil van Dijk remains the benchmark for Premier League defenders and is Liverpool’s captain and leader. On a staggering £350,000 per week, he is the highest-paid centre-back in the league and still one of the very best in the world.