Manchester City’s squad for the 2026-27 season showcases a continued commitment to high-calibre talent, reflected in one of the Premier League’s most substantial weekly wage bills. As Enzo Maresca looks to build on the foundations laid by Pep Guardiola, the club has seen significant player movements, including record-breaking contracts and notable departures that reshape the financial landscape at the Etihad. Erling Haaland remains the club’s, and the league’s, highest earner following a lucrative new deal, according to GIVEMESPORT.
Haaland leads a star-studded attack
The Norwegian striker, Erling Haaland, cemented his status as the Premier League’s top earner after signing a new nine-and-a-half-year contract in January 2025, extending his stay until 2034. His weekly wage stands at a staggering £525,000. Close behind are other key attacking figures who command significant salaries:
- Jack Grealish: £300,000 per week, returning to City after spending the 2025-26 season on loan at Everton.
- Omar Marmoush: £295,000 per week, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025, though a move to Tottenham is reportedly close.
- Phil Foden: £280,000 per week, following a new deal in July 2026 despite a challenging previous campaign. This represents an increase from his prior £225,000 weekly salary.
Rayan Cherki, signed in June 2025, also features among the top earners at £180,000 per week, making him the club’s tenth highest-paid player. Jeremy Doku, who made 47 appearances and scored eight goals in the 2025-26 season, saw his wages increase by £100,000 to £150,000 per week after signing a new deal in August 2026.
Midfield and defensive reshuffle under Maresca
The 2026-27 season marks a significant shift in City’s midfield, most notably with the departure of Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, whose £220,000 per week wages are now off the books following his move to Barcelona. Tijjani Reijnders, previously earning £230,000 per week, also departed for Al-Qadsiah.
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To bolster the squad, City has invested heavily in new talent and secured existing players on new terms:
- Elliot Anderson: Joined in July 2026 from Nottingham Forest for £116 million, signing a six-year deal worth £250,000 per week.
- Gianluigi Donnarumma: The first-choice goalkeeper, signed from Paris Saint-Germain in September 2025, earns £265,000 per week. His arrival followed James Trafford’s move to Leeds United.
- Josko Gvardiol: Signed a new long-term contract in July 2026, securing £250,000 per week for his versatility at centre-back or left-back.
- Marc Guehi: Arrived from Crystal Palace in January 2026, earning £250,000 per week.
Among the promising young talents, 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi was acquired from Lille for £86 million. His initial base salary is £35,000 per week, with automatic increases expected in his second and third years based on first-team appearances, as reported by SalaryLeaks. Argentina international Geronimo Rulli was brought in as a backup goalkeeper from Marseille in August 2026. Other key defensive figures include Ruben Dias (£250,000 per week) and England international Nico O’Reilly (£30,000 per week).
Manchester City’s wage structure for the 2026-27 season reflects a strategic blend of retaining world-class talent, making significant new investments, and adapting to key departures. The financial outlay underscores the club’s ambition under Enzo Maresca, aiming to maintain its competitive edge in England and Europe. The focus on both established stars and promising young players indicates a clear vision for the future, even as some long-serving figures like Issa Kabore, who has never played for the club in six years, remain on the books.
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