Brighton salaries ranked: From lowest to highest paid players in 2025/26

October 15, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

Brighton & Hove Albion have become one of the Premier League’s most admired clubs, known for their smart recruitment, progressive tactics, and player development model. But while their football philosophy is praised, the wage structure tells a story of balance, strategy, and long-term planning.

In this gallery, we break down the 15 best-paid players at Brighton, ranked from lowest to highest based on their gross weekly salary for the 2025/26 season. All figures include contract details, estimated bonuses, and the number of years remaining.

Here’s a closer look at how the money is spread across the Brighton dressing room.

_{Note: All player images are for illustration purposes and may not reflect current appearances or squad status.}

15. Charalampos Kostoulas

At just 18 years old, Charalampos Kostoulas is already on a professional contract worth £40,000 a week — a significant sum for such a young forward. His annual salary sits at around £2.08 million, and his current deal runs until June 2030.

The Greek striker is considered one of the brightest emerging talents in Europe, and Brighton have wasted no time securing his long-term future with a five-year agreement. His release clause is set at £10.4 million, hinting that the club sees both potential and resale value.

Kostoulas is yet to fully break into the first team but has impressed in youth competitions and during pre-season friendlies. With his blend of speed, technique, and composure in front of goal, it seems only a matter of time before he’s regularly featuring in Premier League squads.

His salary places him at the bottom of Brighton’s top earners, but given his age and trajectory, it’s likely to rise quickly. Few teenagers in the league are earning this much already, which speaks volumes about how highly he’s rated by the club’s coaching staff and management.

Brighton’s strategy of investing early in youth is exemplified perfectly in this deal — locking in talent before their value explodes.

14. Jan Paul van Hecke

Dutch centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke earns £50,000 per week, giving him an annual wage of around £2.6 million. His current contract runs until June 2028, with three years remaining.

Aged 25, van Hecke has developed into a reliable defensive option, often stepping in to cover injuries or rotate with the first-choice centre-backs. His no-nonsense style and aerial dominance make him a useful presence in the box at both ends of the pitch.

He’s not the flashiest player in the squad, but his consistency and physicality have helped him earn the trust of multiple managers. Brighton clearly see him as a solid squad player, offering both Premier League experience and tactical flexibility.

While he may not be in the headlines, van Hecke is a valuable cog in the defensive system, and at £50,000 per week, he’s also one of the more budget-friendly defenders in the league.

With steady performances and room to grow, a future contract extension — possibly with improved terms — wouldn’t be a surprise.

13. Solly March

Solly March, one of Brighton’s longest-serving players, also earns £50,000 per week — the same as van Hecke. That works out to around £2.6 million per year.

Now 31, March has spent over a decade at the club, adapting across several systems and managers. He has played as a winger, wing-back, and full-back, often switching roles depending on Brighton’s shape.

His versatility has made him an indispensable squad member, even when not starting every match. He understands the club inside out and brings experience that younger players can learn from.

March’s salary reflects both his loyalty and his ongoing utility in the squad. Though he may not be Brighton’s star name anymore, his presence remains important on and off the pitch.

His current deal expires in June 2026, meaning a contract decision could be on the horizon — depending on form and fitness.

12. Joël Veltman

Veteran defender Joël Veltman also pockets £50,000 weekly, matching March and van Hecke. That’s around £2.6 million annually, with his contract running until June 2026.

The 33-year-old Dutchman brings experience, discipline, and professionalism to Brighton’s backline. Originally signed from Ajax at a bargain fee, Veltman has proved to be one of the smartest deals the club has made in recent years.

He can play across the entire defensive line but is most often used as a right-back or right-sided centre-back in a back three. While not the quickest anymore, his positioning and game reading remain top-class.

His salary is very reasonable for a player with his pedigree and consistency. Veltman continues to be a trusted figure, especially in high-pressure matches or when the squad is stretched by injuries.

11. Brajan Gruda

German winger Brajan Gruda earns £50,000 per week — about £2.6 million annually — and is under contract until June 2028. At just 21 years old, he’s among Brighton’s most exciting attacking prospects.

Gruda arrived in the summer of 2024 with a growing reputation from the Bundesliga, known for his quick feet, direct style, and willingness to take on defenders.

He’s still adapting to the pace and physicality of the Premier League but has already shown flashes of brilliance in wide areas. Brighton sees him as a long-term project with the potential to become a key contributor.

Given his age and ability, his current wage is a smart investment. If his development continues as expected, a future extension and pay rise will likely follow.

His contract also includes a reported release clause of £7.8 million — a figure that may soon look like a bargain if his form improves.

10. Maxim De Cuyper

Belgian full-back Maxim De Cuyper is on a weekly wage of £55,000, totaling £2.86 million per year. He signed with Brighton in July 2025 and is committed until June 2030, giving him a full five years ahead.

At 24 years old, De Cuyper is seen as a technically gifted and forward-thinking left-back. He brings energy, overlapping runs, and a dangerous left foot to Brighton’s flanks.

Though not yet a guaranteed starter, his skillset suits the club’s style of play — and he’s expected to compete heavily for minutes in the seasons ahead.

The five-year deal signals strong faith in his potential, and at this wage level, he fits perfectly into Brighton’s financial model. He also offers cover for multiple positions, including wing-back or even as a wide midfielder.

9. Adam Webster

Adam Webster earns £55,000 a week, amounting to a yearly wage of roughly £2.86 million. The 30-year-old centre-back has been with Brighton since 2019 and remains a reliable figure in the squad.

Webster’s contract is set to expire in June 2026, and while he’s no longer an automatic starter, his experience and aerial strength still make him a useful option in defence.

He’s known for his physical presence, commitment in challenges, and ability to play the ball out from the back — traits that have fit well with Brighton’s possession-based systems over the years.

His role has evolved slightly in recent seasons, with younger defenders emerging, but he continues to be called upon in rotation or when extra solidity is required.

£55,000 a week is a fair reflection of his current status — not quite first-choice, but far from a fringe player. He's a leader in the dressing room and a steady performer when given the opportunity.

As he enters the final year of his deal, a decision looms over his long-term future. The club may look to extend, restructure, or part ways depending on squad depth and performance.

8. Mats Wieffer

Dutch midfielder Mats Wieffer earns £60,000 per week, which gives him an annual salary of £3.12 million. Signed in July 2024, his contract runs until June 2029, offering long-term security.

At 25 years old, Wieffer has slotted into Brighton’s midfield with ease, offering calm distribution, tactical awareness, and strength in duels.

He’s typically deployed as a deep-lying playmaker or defensive midfielder, tasked with breaking up play and starting attacks. His consistency has made him a dependable presence in the heart of the pitch.

Despite flying under the radar compared to flashier teammates, Wieffer’s role is vital — often doing the dirty work that allows others to shine.

His current salary is well-aligned with his status: a starter-level player who delivers high-value performances without the need for headlines.

His contract includes a £12.48 million release clause, which could prove tempting to larger clubs if he continues to impress. For now, though, he looks locked in as a key cog in Brighton’s midfield engine.

7. James Milner

Veteran midfielder James Milner also takes home £60,000 per week — about £3.12 million annually. Now 39, Milner is one of the oldest active players in the Premier League, but he remains a vital figure at Brighton.

His contract runs until June 2026, giving him one final season to contribute both on the pitch and as a mentor behind the scenes.

Milner’s role is now more about leadership, experience, and helping guide the club’s younger talents through the demands of top-level football.

When called upon, he can still deliver steady performances across midfield or even at full-back. His versatility remains one of his strongest traits.

Milner’s salary may appear high for a player not regularly starting, but his off-the-ball impact and influence in training justify the investment.

Brighton benefit hugely from his professionalism and winning mentality, honed over years at clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City.

6. Danny Welbeck

Danny Welbeck also earns £60,000 per week, which equals around £3.12 million per season. His contract is set to expire in June 2026.

Now 34, Welbeck continues to provide veteran know-how and depth in Brighton’s attack. He’s often used as a rotational striker or experienced option from the bench.

Despite the rise of younger forwards, Welbeck’s movement, hold-up play, and instinctive finishing still make him a threat — especially against tired defences late in matches.

Injuries have interrupted parts of his career, but when fit, he offers a clever, reliable option with decades of top-flight experience.

His salary is modest for a Premier League striker with his background, and Brighton appear to value his contribution both tactically and as a mentor.

5. Olivier Boscagli

French centre-back Olivier Boscagli earns £60,000 per week — around £3.12 million per year. His contract, signed in July 2025, runs all the way to June 2030, making him one of the longest-secured players at the club.

At 27, Boscagli brings technical ability and calmness to Brighton’s defence. He’s known for his ball-playing qualities, often initiating attacks from the back.

Brighton brought him in to provide a mix of experience and modern defending — comfortable both in a back four and back three.

His five-year deal shows that the club sees him as part of their defensive core going forward. At £60,000 per week, he represents a cost-effective solution with plenty of upside.

While he’s still adjusting to the pace of English football, his intelligence and composure make him an ideal fit for Brighton’s system.

4. Georginio Rutter

French forward Georginio Rutter is one of Brighton’s more high-profile acquisitions, earning £75,000 a week — which totals £3.9 million annually.

The 23-year-old joined in 2024 and signed a contract through to June 2028. Known for his flair, dribbling, and creativity in the final third, Rutter is often deployed as a second striker or wide attacker.

He brings unpredictability to Brighton’s attack and has shown flashes of brilliance — even if consistency remains a work in progress.

Brighton are banking on his potential to grow into a Premier League star, and his current wage places him in the upper tier of the squad’s pay structure.

If he fulfills his promise, that £75,000 a week could soon look like a bargain. If not, it’s still a fair value for a player capable of moments of magic.

3. Lewis Dunk

Club captain Lewis Dunk earns £80,000 per week — roughly £4.16 million per year. His contract runs until June 2026, with one year remaining.

Now 33, Dunk remains the heartbeat of Brighton’s defence. A local lad and fan favourite, he’s played a key role in guiding the club from the Championship to regular top-half Premier League finishes.

Known for his no-nonsense defending, aerial dominance, and leadership qualities, Dunk is more than just a centre-back — he’s a symbol of the club’s modern era.

At £80,000 a week, he’s appropriately compensated for his status and service. It’s a figure that reflects both loyalty and consistent performance.

As he enters the latter stages of his career, contract talks or future planning may be on the horizon — but for now, he’s still one of the first names on the team sheet.

2. Kaoru Mitoma

Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma is another player on £80,000 per week — matching Lewis Dunk — for an annual salary of around £4.16 million. His contract runs until June 2027.

Mitoma has dazzled Premier League fans with his pace, dribbling, and fearless attacking play since arriving from Japan via Belgium.

Though used in a rotational role this season, his ability to stretch defences and create chances makes him one of Brighton’s most dangerous players in transition.

Brighton are believed to have inserted an £8.32 million release clause into his deal — a modest amount for such an electrifying talent.

His current wage suggests there may be scope for renegotiation soon, especially if bigger clubs start circling.

1. Ferdi Kadıoğlu

Ferdi Kadıoğlu tops Brighton’s wage list at £87,500 per week — giving him an annual salary of £4.55 million. The Turkish full-back signed in August 2024 and is under contract until June 2028.

At 25, Kadıoğlu has become a key starter on the left side of defence. Equally capable going forward, he’s known for his dribbling, vision, and engine up and down the flank.

He fits perfectly into Brighton’s high-pressing, possession-oriented style, offering both attacking width and defensive reliability.

With a release clause set at £13.65 million, Brighton are clearly aware of his value — both on the pitch and on the market.

His wage is the highest in the squad but still relatively modest by Premier League standards, especially given his contributions and potential resale value.