The English Premier League (EPL) isn’t only the most viewed football league globally but it’s also the richest. The players in this league are paid wages that far exceed the rest, courtesy of huge TV contracts, endorsements, and fan support worldwide. But how much is the average Premier League player paid? Let’s dissect the figures for the 2024-25 season, from star strikers to reserve goalkeepers.
The Big Picture: What’s the Average Salary?
According to the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), the average weekly wage for a Premier League player in 2024-25 is £60,000. Over a year, that adds up to roughly £3.12 million per player. However, this number hides huge differences. Superstars like Erling Haaland earn over £500,000 weekly, while young players or squad backups might make as little as £20,000 weekly.
Top Earners: Who’s Making the Most in Premier League?
The Premier League’s highest-paid players are household names, and their salaries reflect their impact on the pitch:
- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City): £520,000/week (£27 million/year).
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City): £500,000/week (£26 million/year).
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): £350,000/week (£18.2 million/year).
- Casemiro (Manchester United): £350,000/week (£18.2 million/year).
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): £300,000/week (£15.6 million/year).
These players aren’t just scoring goals—they’re also driving commercial revenue. For example, Haaland’s dominance helped Manchester City secure a £224 million annual wage bill, the highest in the league.
Club Spending: Who Pays the Most?
Not all clubs spend equally. Here’s how the top teams compare in total annual wages:
- Manchester City: £224 million.
- Manchester United: £185 million.
- Chelsea: £174 million.
- Arsenal: £172 million.
- Liverpool: £128 million.
At the other end, newly promoted Ipswich Town spends just £34 million annually—less than what Haaland and De Bruyne earn combined.
How Do Lower Leagues Compare?
The gap between the Premier League and England’s lower divisions is staggering:
- Championship (2nd tier): Average wage drops to £10,000/week.
- League One (3rd tier): £7,045/week.
- League Two (4th tier): £2,000/week.
For context, Erling Haaland earns more in one week than a League Two player makes in five years.
Financial Challenges: Balancing Salaries and Success
While big clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea can afford massive wages, others face tough choices:
- Aston Villa and Newcastle United broke the £100 million wage barrier this season, aiming to compete with the “Big Six”.
- Everton reduced their wage bill from £107 million to £69 million to comply with financial rules.
- Clubs like Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are pushing for a salary cap to ensure fairness
