Premier League payroll power rankings: from Sunderland’s shoestring to City’s millions
The Premier League may be known for its glitz and glamour, but when you dive into the numbers, some clubs are playing a very different financial game. From newly promoted sides pinching pennies to elite squads shelling out eye-watering sums, payroll tells a story of ambition, strategy, and survival.
Here’s a club-by-club breakdown of the top 15 payrolls in the 2025–26 Premier League season, ranked from lowest to highest, with a look at exactly where the money goes across goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards.
15. Sunderland
Back in the top flight, Sunderland are operating with the league’s smallest payroll at just £67.4 million a year. Weekly wages come in at £1.3 million, with nearly a third of that going to the forward line (£19.4 million). The Black Cats are keeping it lean in defence and goal, with just £4.2 million spent on defenders and £2.1 million on keepers.
14. Crystal Palace
Palace’s annual wage bill sits at £67.7 million, barely ahead of Sunderland. The attack takes the lion’s share at £22.8 million, while the midfield and backline are relatively balanced. Goalkeepers cost the Eagles over £6 million — more than many in the bottom half.
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13. Wolverhampton
Wolves spend £72.4 million annually, or £1.39 million per week. The midfield is clearly the priority with £17.6 million in wages, compared to £6.8 million for defenders and just £2.4 million for keepers. Attackers take home £20.4 million.
12. Everton
Despite years of financial pressure, Everton are still splashing out £74 million a year on wages. Over £23 million of that goes to forwards, while midfield (£14.6 million) and defence (£8.7 million) follow behind. The wage structure suggests a top-heavy squad built to attack.
11. Fulham
Fulham’s £77.4 million wage bill is concentrated up front, with forwards raking in £33.3 million — 43% of the total. The rest is split between midfield (£11.6 million), defence (£8.3 million), and a surprisingly costly goalkeeping unit (£7.1 million).
10. West Ham
The Hammers spend £86.1 million annually, with £28.3 million dedicated to their front line. Midfielders account for £21.1 million, while the rest is spread across defence (£11.9 million) and goal (£4.8 million). It’s a fairly even spread for a side aiming for European football.
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9. Nottingham Forest
Forest’s £93.2 million wage bill leans heavily into the attack, with forwards earning £36.4 million. Midfield gets a modest £17.4 million, while keepers and defenders take home £5.7 million and £23.7 million respectively. Notably, Forest have the second-highest defensive wage among these 15.
8. Newcastle United
The Magpies spend £116.6 million annually, placing them squarely in the top half. Midfielders are the highest earners on £35.9 million, closely followed by forwards (£34.5 million). The goalkeeper group is also notably well-paid at £10.9 million, reflecting the club’s recent high-profile signings.
7. Aston Villa
Villa’s £123.1 million payroll includes £40.7 million for forwards and £32.2 million for midfielders. The rest is divided between defence (£10.4 million) and keepers (£9.8 million). It’s clear Villa are backing their creativity and goals to push into the top six.
6. Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs come in with a total wage bill of £132.9 million. Their forward line earns £63.4 million, with midfielders on £24.4 million. Defence and goalkeeping receive a more modest allocation, suggesting a squad built around attacking depth.
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5. Manchester United
At £159 million per year, United are only fifth in the payroll table — surprising for one of the world’s richest clubs. Forwards earn £64.5 million, midfield £25.9 million, and defence just £7.3 million. It's a costly squad, but less bloated than previous seasons.
4. Chelsea
Chelsea’s wage bill stands at £164.2 million, with their front line paid £68.8 million. Midfielders earn £23.4 million, and defenders just £7.8 million. Goalkeepers cost the club £6.4 million, showing a shift toward balance over big-name spending.
3. Liverpool
Liverpool pay out £172.1 million per year, with the front line accounting for £84.5 million — nearly half. Midfielders take home £22.4 million, and defenders just £13.5 million. Their goalkeeping spend sits at £5.4 million, in line with the league average.
2. Arsenal
The Gunners spend £184.6 million overall, or £3.55 million per week. A staggering £100.1 million goes to forwards — the highest in the league. Midfielders earn £26.5 million, while defenders and goalkeepers are relatively cheap by comparison.
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1. Manchester City
City are in a league of their own with an eye-watering £221.7 million in annual wages. That’s £4.26 million per week — by far the highest. Forwards take home £92.7 million, midfielders £51.4 million, and even the defence earns over £55 million. City’s wage structure mirrors their dominance on the pitch.
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