The Bundesliga is home to some of the world’s best midfielders, and their salaries reflect their importance on the pitch. From rising stars to seasoned veterans, these players earn millions each year for their contributions. Below is a look at the 20 highest-paid midfielders in the league, ranked from the lowest to the highest.
20. Aster Vranckx – £61,288 per week / £3,213,000 per year
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Aster Vranckx, a young Belgian midfielder, plays for VfL Wolfsburg, where he is gradually making a name for himself. Known for his strong tackling and ability to break up play, he has shown flashes of brilliance in the Bundesliga. Despite being the lowest-paid on this list, he still earns an impressive £61,288 per week. If he continues to develop, a bigger contract could be on the horizon.
19. Amadou Haidara – £62,115 per week / £3,230,000 per year
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RB Leipzig’s Malian midfielder Amadou Haidara is a dynamic presence in midfield with excellent stamina and ball-winning ability. He has been a crucial squad player for Leipzig, often stepping up in big matches. With a weekly wage of £62,115, he earns slightly more than Vranckx, but given his consistent performances, he could be in line for a pay rise soon.
18. Diadié Samassékou – £62,115 per week / £3,315,000 per year
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Another Malian midfielder, Diadié Samassékou, has been a key figure for TSG Hoffenheim. His ability to control the tempo of the game and provide defensive cover makes him an essential part of the team. Despite Hoffenheim not being one of the league’s biggest spenders, they reward his contributions with £62,115 per week.
17. Julian Weigl – £63,889 per week / £3,323,500 per year
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A technically gifted playmaker, Julian Weigl has enjoyed a resurgence in the Bundesliga after returning to Borussia Mönchengladbach. Once a rising star at Borussia Dortmund, he now plays a deeper role, dictating play with his passing. His £63,889 per week salary reflects his experience and quality.
16. Jeremie Frimpong – £65,885 per week / £3,400,000 per year
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Though primarily a right-back, Jeremie Frimpong has been deployed in midfield roles for Bayer Leverkusen. His explosive pace and attacking instincts make him one of the most exciting players in Germany. His £65,885 per week salary reflects his growing importance at the club.
15. Florian Neuhaus – £65,885 per week / £3,400,000 per year
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A creative force in Borussia Mönchengladbach’s midfield, Florian Neuhaus is well known for his dribbling and ability to unlock defenses. Despite injuries in recent seasons, he remains a key player and earns £65,885 per week. If he regains top form, he could secure an even bigger deal.
14. Xaver Schlager – £65,885 per week / £3,400,000 per year
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RB Leipzig’s Austrian midfielder Xaver Schlager is a tireless worker known for his pressing and defensive discipline. His ability to cover ground and win duels makes him a valuable asset. Leipzig pays him £65,885 per week, a fair sum for a player of his caliber.
13. Granit Xhaka – £67,937 per week / £3,527,500 per year
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After years at Arsenal, Granit Xhaka returned to Germany with Bayer Leverkusen, where he quickly became a leader in midfield. His physicality and passing range make him a crucial figure. Despite his vast experience, he earns a relatively modest £67,937 per week, but his leadership is priceless.
12. Pascal Groß – £68,000 per week / £3,536,000 per year
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One of the most underrated midfielders in Germany, Pascal Groß has been instrumental for Bayer Leverkusen. His intelligence on the ball and ability to control games make him a reliable playmaker. His £68,000 per week salary is well deserved.
11. Angelo Stiller – £73,885 per week / £3,842,000 per year
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A rising star at VfB Stuttgart, Angelo Stiller is an intelligent and technical midfielder with great passing ability. Stuttgart has rewarded his performances with a £73,885 per week salary, making him one of the highest-paid young players in the league.
10. Aleix García – £77,154 per week / £4,012,000 per year
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Recently joining the Bundesliga, Aleix García has adapted well to the league’s physical demands. A composed playmaker, he dictates the tempo of the game and provides creativity from deep. His weekly wage of £77,154 puts him in the league’s elite midfielders.
9. Exequiel Palacios – £81,731 per week / £4,250,000 per year
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A key player for Bayer Leverkusen, Exequiel Palacios is a versatile midfielder who contributes both defensively and offensively. His excellent performances have secured him a £81,731 per week contract.
8. Maximilian Arnold – £89,904 per week / £4,675,000 per year
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A Wolfsburg legend, Maximilian Arnold is one of the most consistent midfielders in the Bundesliga. His leadership and set-piece ability have made him indispensable, earning him £89,904 per week.
7. Felix Nmecha – £98,077 per week / £5,100,000 per year
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Felix Nmecha is a highly promising young midfielder who has broken into Borussia Dortmund’s first team. His exciting potential is reflected in his £98,077 per week wage.
6. Marcel Sabitzer – £122,596 per week / £6,375,000 per year
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The Austrian international has been an important figure at Borussia Dortmund, offering versatility and experience. His weekly wage of £122,596 places him among the top earners.
5. Emre Can – £130,769 per week / £6,800,000 per year
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A defensive midfield powerhouse, Emre Can has been a crucial player for Borussia Dortmund. His leadership and experience justify his £130,769 per week salary.
4. Konrad Laimer – £147,115 per week / £7,650,000 per year
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One of Bayern Munich’s summer signings, Konrad Laimer brings energy and pressing ability to their midfield. His impressive £147,115 per week salary highlights his importance.
3. João Palhinha – £163,462 per week / £8,500,000 per year
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A dominant defensive midfielder, João Palhinha joined Bayern Munich and quickly established himself as a key player. His £163,462 per week salary shows how highly Bayern values him.
2. Leon Goretzka – £212,500 per week / £11,050,000 per year
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Leon Goretzka is one of Bayern’s most complete midfielders, excelling both defensively and offensively. With a £212,500 per week salary, he is the second-highest earner in this position.
1. Joshua Kimmich – £318,750 per week / £16,575,000 per year
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The undisputed leader of Bayern Munich’s midfield, Joshua Kimmich is the highest-paid central midfielder in the Bundesliga. His world-class ability is reflected in his £318,750 per week salary.