The richest five: inside football’s pay revolution

The battle for the Premier League’s biggest paycheck is as fierce as the one for silverware. New salary data reveals who’s cashing in the most in England’s top flight, and it’s clear one Norwegian striker is in a league of his own.

The £27 million man

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland tops the list once again with an estimated £27.3 million per year, or £525,000 per week, according to contract figures for the 2025/26 season via Capology.com stats.

His current deal, signed in January 2025, runs until 2034 and still carries a staggering nine years remaining.

The figures underline City’s long-term commitment to their star forward, whose scoring record has kept him at the heart of the club’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe.

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With nearly £246 million still due on his contract, Haaland’s deal is one of the most valuable in football history.

Chasing the champion

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah remains a close second on the list, earning around £20.8 million per year. His contract, valid until June 2027, keeps him as one of the best-paid forwards in the league despite being in his mid-thirties.

Eventhough there has been rumous flowing around, that he might have a bigger offer on the table outside of Europe in the upcoming season from Saudi, nothing has been declared yet.

Salah’s consistency and fitness have justified his pay packet, but questions linger over how long he can sustain his level in a league increasingly dominated by younger stars.

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Veterans still in the mix

Manchester United’s Casemiro follows with £18.2 million a year, on a deal signed in August 2022 and running through 2026. The Brazilian midfielder, known for his experience and leadership, remains one of the top earners in his position.

Also at Liverpool, defender Virgil van Dijk earns a similar annual figure, reflecting his ongoing importance in Arne Slots back line. His contract, valid until 2027, secures him as one of the highest-paid defenders in the world.

English talent under pressure

Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling rounds out the top five with a £16.9 million annual salary. Though now listed as a reserve, Sterling’s pay level speaks to the long-term investment Chelsea made when signing him in 2022. There are currently no official stats about his 25/26 performance.

The presence of only one English player among the top earners fuels ongoing debate about domestic talent versus international imports.

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With the Premier League increasingly global, young English stars must now compete not only for trophies but for paychecks matching their foreign counterparts.

Money and motivation

The salary gap between the top five and the rest of the league highlights how financial muscle continues to shape the Premier League’s balance of power.

While Haaland’s astronomical deal underscores City’s dominance, the longevity of contracts like Salah’s and Van Dijk’s show how experience still commands a premium.

As financial fair play regulations tighten and player wages climb, the conversation around sustainability in football finances is set to grow louder in the seasons ahead.

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