Who are the highest-paid players in the Premier League?
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Wherever Cristiano Ronaldo plies his trade, he’ll be the highest earner. Given the impact he has had on the game in general and the undoubted influence he brings, spending astronomical sums of money on the Portuguese star is entirely understandable. Although he earns an astonishing £515k per week at Manchester United at the time of writing, there are other players who are taking home massive wages too.
These types of high salaries have left some football fans disillusioned with the modern game, especially as some players arguably earn more than their talent deserves. While that view is ultimately subjective, there is no doubting that footballers are earning more money than they ever have done before. It’s certainly a ruthless business where a star can go from riches to rags with a few bad campaigns, but not many sports fans agree with Premier League stars being paid more than their contemporaries on the continent. Ultimately, though, the biggest league on the planet can afford to pay the biggest wages.
All eyes are on the Premier League, making it understandable for its clubs to offer the vast sums of money that players join for. From China and Australia to India and America, fans of the beautiful game tune in to watch Premier League action on a weekly basis, as well as joining in on the debate through Twitter and making the most of online betting opportunities, with fans backing an outright winner, such as Liverpool at 5/1, while also predicting that Southampton’s time in the top flight could come to an end after being priced at 2/1 for relegation. Put simply, the attention on England’s top division is unrivaled, making it entirely predictable that players’ wages would soon match some of the massive TV deals and sponsorship packages that have been agreed.
With the 2022-23 season firmly underway, let’s take a look at some of the highest-paid players in the Premier League at the moment. Do you think they deserve the salary they’re on?
Grealish and Manchester United’s new boy on £300k
Despite Manchester United not executing the summer rebuild many fans were hoping for, the signing of Real Madrid’s Casemiro has received a positive reaction overall. The Brazilian has won the Champions League five times, making his £300k a week salary justifiable. On the flip side, though, is Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, a player who earns the same amount of money as the former Real midfielder but without making anywhere near the same impact. Grealish’s £100million move from Villa hasn’t resulted in world-class performances just yet, but this season is where everyone associated with Manchester City will be expecting to see much more from him.
Salah and Sancho earn £350k
Jadon Sancho’s talent is evident, but the £350k salary he’s currently on hasn’t been justified yet, especially when you consider that Liverpool’s talisman, Mohamed Salah, is on the same amount of money. Manchester United will be hoping for a greater return on their Sancho investment this season. Can Erik ten Hag get the best out of the former Dortmund star?
City pair at the top
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Somewhat unsurprisingly given the spending power the club possesses and the success that has come their way in recent years under Pep Guardiola, Manchester City pay some of the largest salaries in the division. At the moment, Erling Haaland, who is on £375k a week, and Kevin de Bruyne, who takes home £400k, are the highest earners at the club and among the two best paid in the Premier League. Kevin de Bruyne’s influence has been obvious for a good while now, but it’s Haaland who is aiming to make a similar impact. Judging by the start he has made to life in England, the Norwegian beast will almost certainly justify the investment the Citizens have made in him.