Championship

The 14 Highest-Paid Players in the Championship 2025/26

The Championship is often labeled the most competitive second-tier league in the world, and the salaries of its top stars…

·

Read in:

The Championship is often labeled the most competitive second-tier league in the world, and the salaries of its top stars reflect just how high the stakes are. Here’s a rundown of the 14 best-paid players in the division, starting from no. 14 and moving up to the very top.

14. Moussa Sissoko – £45,000 per week / £2,340,000 per year

Moussa Sissoko
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

The French veteran remains one of the most experienced midfielders in the Championship. Even late in his career, he brings strength, leadership, and valuable know-how to his team.

13. John Lundstram – £45,500 per week / £2,366,000 per year

John Lundstram
By Catherine Kõrtsmik from Tallinn, Estonia – U-19 England vs Greece.Uploaded by TabloidFootprints, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24838149

Lundstram’s versatility makes him a reliable option across midfield. His steady presence and work rate ensure that he remains a key figure at this level.

12. Hamza Choudhury – £50,000 per week / £2,600,000 per year

Hamza Choudhury
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

Choudhury is known for his energy and aggressive ball-winning skills. His commitment in midfield provides balance and defensive cover for his side.

Read also: The 15 Best Young Managers in World Football Right Now

11. Oliver Skipp – £50,000 per week / £2,600,000 per year

Oliver Skipp
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Still relatively young, Skipp combines tactical awareness with composure on the ball. He is viewed as one of the Championship’s most promising midfielders.

10. Wout Faes – £50,000 per week / £2,600,000 per year

Wout Faes
Antonio Balasco / Shutterstock.com

The Belgian center-back brings international pedigree and physical presence. His defensive solidity is an asset in a physically demanding league.

9. Adam Armstrong – £60,000 per week / £3,120,000 per year

Adam Armstrong
https://www.premierleague.com/players/9199/Adam-Armstrong/overview

Armstrong is a proven goalscorer who remains a constant threat in attack. His ability to find the net makes him indispensable to his team’s promotion hopes.

8. Jannik Vestergaard – £60,000 per week / £3,120,000 per year

Jannik Vestergaard
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

Vestergaard uses his height and strength to dominate in aerial duels. The Danish defender’s experience at the top level makes him a cornerstone in defense.

Read also: The Lowest-Paid Player at Every Premier League Club – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

7. Matt Targett – £60,000 per week / £3,120,000 per year

Matt Targett
MDI / Shutterstock.com

Targett offers consistency and reliability from left-back. With Premier League experience, he adds both defensive stability and attacking support.

6. Joe Aribo – £70,000 per week / £3,640,000 per year

Joe Aribo
Cosmin Iftode / Shutterstock.com

Aribo combines creativity with the ability to drive forward from midfield. His flair and versatility make him one of the league’s most entertaining players.

5. Patson Daka – £75,000 per week / £3,900,000 per year

Patson Daka
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

Daka is a striker with pace and sharp finishing ability. His presence up front ensures constant danger for opposing defenses.

4. Ben Godfrey – £75,000 per week / £3,900,000 per year

Ben Godfrey
Photo: Itfc.co.uk

Godfrey is a versatile defender who can play across the back line. His athleticism and strength make him a valuable asset in both defensive and transitional phases.

Read also: The 23 Greatest Bayern Munich Players of All Time – Ranked

3. Boubakary Soumaré – £80,000 per week / £4,160,000 per year

Boubakary Soumaré
Pedro Semitiel, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Soumaré combines power with technical ability in midfield. He dominates physically while also contributing to the team’s build-up play.

2. Ricardo Pereira – £80,000 per week / £4,160,000 per year

ricardo pereira
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

The Portuguese full-back is equally strong in defense and attack. His experience at the highest level brings quality and leadership to the Championship.

1. Harry Winks – £90,000 per week / £4,680,000 per year

Harry Winks
Photo: Wikicommons.com

Winks tops the list as the highest-paid player in the Championship. The England international offers composure, leadership, and vision in midfield, reflecting his Premier League pedigree.

Read also: Tottenham’s 13 Highest-Paid Players in 2025 – Ranked

Read also: UEFA Champions League 2025-26 – Matchday 1: Predicted Scores

Related Stories