Every Premier League Club Ranked by Wage Bill in 2025/26 — From Lowest to Highest
The Premier League is known for its massive financial muscle, but not every club throws around cash at the same rate. While some are splashing out tens of millions on individual stars, others are fighting to survive with far smaller budgets. Here's how each team stacks up, from the most frugal to the biggest spenders.
20. Burnley – £40.2 Million
Back in the top flight, Burnley are operating on the tightest wage bill in the league. Kyle Walker leads their payroll on £3.6 million, but Scott Parker has his work cut out managing a squad where every penny counts.
19. Wolverhampton Wanderers – £41.1 Million
Despite modest financial backing, Wolves have punched above their weight thanks to smart management under Vitor Pereira. Hwang Hee-chan and Joao Gomes are the top earners, each taking home £3.6 million annually.
18. Brentford – £47.9 Million
Brentford continue to defy expectations with one of the lowest wage bills in the division. Even after losing key players like Bryan Mbeumo, the Bees remain competitive, led in salary terms by Reiss Nelson and Aaron Hickey.
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17. Sunderland – £49.6 Million
Fresh from promotion, Sunderland haven’t been shy about spending on key experience. Big names like Granit Xhaka and Nordi Mukiele are both on £4.7 million a year, reflecting their Premier League ambition.
16. Bournemouth – £52.9 Million
Bournemouth are keeping things relatively lean, especially after losing top earner Dominic Solanke. Justin Kluivert and Evanilson now top the Cherries' payroll, each earning over £4 million per season.
15. Brighton & Hove Albion – £53.1 Million
Brighton’s excellent recruitment strategy has allowed them to stay competitive on a budget. New addition Ferdi Kadioglu is the highest-paid player at £4.5 million, while Kaoru Mitoma and Lewis Dunk remain key contributors.
14. Leeds United – £60.2 Million
After returning to the Premier League, Leeds have had to spend more to compete. Dominic Calvert-Lewin leads their wages at £6.2 million, with Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford also earning strong salaries.
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13. Crystal Palace – £65.4 Million
Crystal Palace’s wage bill has slightly dipped following high-profile departures, but they’re still paying big for top talent. Daichi Kamada and Dean Henderson are the highest earners at £5.2 million each.
12. Fulham – £71.5 Million
Even after losing Aleksandar Mitrovic, Fulham continue to invest wisely. Bernd Leno is comfortably the top earner at £6.8 million, followed by Raul Jimenez and Joachim Andersen.
11. Everton – £71.7 Million
Everton’s wage bill has been trimmed in recent seasons, but it’s still sizable. Loan signing Jack Grealish tops the list with a whopping £11.7 million salary, while Jordan Pickford and Jarrad Branthwaite are next in line.
10. West Ham United – £71.8 Million
West Ham’s wage structure remains balanced even after European success. Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta each earn £7.8 million, rewarded for their key roles in the team’s continued progress.
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9. Nottingham Forest – £84.2 Million
Forest haven’t been shy about spending since returning to the top flight. Douglas Luiz, on loan, earns £7.8 million – the highest at the club – while key figures like Morgan Gibbs-White also earn strong salaries.
8. Newcastle United – £101.7 Million
With their financial boost from the 2021 takeover, Newcastle now sit comfortably in the upper-middle range. Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton both make £7.8 million annually, while Anthony Gordon isn’t far behind.
7. Aston Villa – £106.6 Million
Villa’s Champions League qualification has been backed by serious wage commitments. Boubacar Kamara leads the way with £8.8 million, followed by Martinez and loanee Jadon Sancho.
6. Tottenham Hotspur – £127.1 Million
Spurs are the lowest spenders among the so-called "Big Six," despite big names like Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero earning over £10 million each. Their payroll reflects a squad blending high-end and developing talent.
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5. Manchester United – £139 Million
United’s wage bill is still among the highest in England, though recent loan departures have eased the pressure. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes each earn £15.6 million annually, highlighting the club’s expensive roster.
4. Chelsea – £149.9 Million
Despite offloading numerous players, Chelsea’s wage commitment remains massive. Raheem Sterling leads the group with £16.9 million per year, followed closely by Reece James and Wesley Fofana.
3. Liverpool – £155.3 Million
Liverpool’s investment in talent continues under new manager Arne Slot. Mohamed Salah is the top-paid player in the Premier League at £20.8 million, with Virgil van Dijk also among the league’s elite earners.
2. Arsenal – £168.8 Million
Arsenal have pushed the wage ceiling in their quest for silverware. Big signings like Kai Havertz and Declan Rice are both on massive deals, with £13.2 million and £11.7 million salaries respectively.
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1. Manchester City – £188.4 Million
No surprise here — City top the table once again with an eye-watering £188.4 million wage bill. Erling Haaland is by far the highest earner in the league on £26 million a year, as Pep Guardiola’s side spares no expense in pursuit of glory.
