Manchester City player wages in 2026 revealed
A decade of investment pays off
Manchester City’s position at the top of English football has been shaped by sustained spending and a clear sporting strategy since Pep Guardiola arrived in 2016. According to salary data compiled by Capology and reported by GiveMeSport, City remain among the Premier League’s highest spenders on player wages in 2026.
Rather than concentrating resources in one area, the club spreads its payroll across every position group. Senior internationals are among the league’s top earners, while younger players are tied to long contracts that reflect potential rather than current status. The approach underlines how City aim to remain competitive both domestically and in Europe, even as costs continue to rise.
Goalkeeping reshaped by change
Recent seasons have brought significant movement in goal. According to GiveMeSport, Gianluigi Donnarumma is now the highest paid goalkeeper at the club following his move from Paris Saint-Germain, earning £250,000 per week.
Behind him, James Trafford and Stefan Ortega occupy lower salary brackets, while Marcus Bettinelli completes the group. The wage spread reflects both Donnarumma’s reputation and City’s willingness to invest heavily in a proven number one.
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Experience rewarded at the back
Defensive wages show a clear hierarchy built around reliability and leadership. John Stones and Ruben Dias sit at the top of the scale on £250,000 per week, figures that reflect their importance during City’s most successful years.
Josko Gvardiol follows closely, while Nathan Ake remains one of the better paid defenders despite reduced minutes. In contrast, younger players such as Rico Lewis and Nico O’Reilly earn significantly less, highlighting the financial gap between established starters and emerging options.
Control comes at a premium
Midfield remains an area of heavy investment. Bernardo Silva is the highest paid player in the engine room on £300,000 per week, with Rodri close behind on £220,000 after a season that culminated in a Ballon d’Or win, according to GiveMeSport.
New signing Tijjani Reijnders also commands a substantial salary, while Mateo Kovacic and Kalvin Phillips are both paid £150,000 per week. Phillips’ wage stands out given his limited involvement since returning from loan, underlining how past expectations can continue to shape payroll long after on field roles change.
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Where the biggest money sits
Erling Haaland remains the clear outlier in City’s wage structure. After signing a long-term extension, the striker earns £525,000 per week, making him the Premier League’s highest paid player, according to Capology data.
Phil Foden’s £225,000 weekly salary reflects his status as a senior homegrown figure, while Omar Marmoush earns £295,000 following his January arrival. The Guardian reported that Antoine Semenyo joined the club on £150,000 per week after completing a £64 million transfer from Bournemouth.
Wingers Jeremy Doku, Savinho and Oscar Bobb earn considerably less by comparison, reinforcing how City balance elite salaries with controlled spending on rotational and developmental players.
The cost of staying on top
Manchester City’s 2026 wage bill shows the financial reality behind sustained success. According to GiveMeSport and Capology, the club’s payroll is built around proven winners, carefully supported by younger talent on lower wages.
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As rivals attempt to close the gap, City’s structure illustrates how long-term planning, contract timing and selective spending remain central to staying at the top of English football.
Sources: GiveMeSport, Capology, The Guardian
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