The topic of player remuneration has become one that is hotly debated among fans and pundits alike nowadays, with the issue in contention being whether some players should complain about the increasing number of games given their staggering take homes.
Big English stars like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have enjoyed massive salary raises since their moves to Bayern Munich and Real Madrid respectively. In this article, Soccernet.football brings you the top English earners across Europe.
10. Declan Rice (£240,000-per-week)
Declan Rice joined Arsenal off the back of that Europa Conference League triumph with West Ham, quickly establishing himself as a key player under Mikel Arteta and to justify his £240,000 per week wage. Seen as a future captain, his substantial salary reflects Arsenal’s commitment to investing in long-term cornerstones of Arteta’s project.
9. Reece James (£250,000-per-week)
Chelsea captain Reece James, earning £250,000 per week, remains a vital influence despite frequent injuries in recent years. James is recognized as a top talent dspite his fitness struggles limiting his international appearances to only 16. Competing with Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Tino Livramento for England’s right-back spot, his role for both club and country could grow significantly if he manages to stay healthy.
8. Jadon Sancho (£250,000-per-week)
Manchester United signed Jadon Sancho in 2021, offering him a £250,000-per-week deal after his stellar performances in the Bundesliga. However, his form declined sharply at Old Trafford, and a public dispute with Erik ten Hag led to his exclusion from the first team. Sancho returned to Borussia Dortmund on loan for the latter half of the 2023/2024 season, helping them reach the Champions League final. Now at Chelsea on an initial loan with an obligation to buy, the Blues are covering part of his salary this season before transitioning him to a performance-based contract with a lower base wage next season.
7. John Stones (£250,000-per-week)
John Stone’s £250,000 per week at Manchester City, is a modest figure compared to the club’s highest earners. The versatile England international has made over 250 appearances for City and played a crucial role in their 2022/2023 treble-winning campaign. Despite being one of the Premier League’s top center-backs, Stones remains outside the top salary bracket for both City players and English footballers.
6. Mason Mount (£250,000-per-week)
Mason Mount moved to Manchester United from Chelsea in the summer of 2023, earning £250,000 per week to become one of the club’s top earners. His debut season was underwhelming, marred by injuries and limited contributions of one goal and one assist, leading to his label as a disappointing signing. So far this season, the England international has yet to really get going with nagging injuries, disrupting his campaign ye again.
5. Jack Grealish (£300,000-per-week)
Jack Grealish’s £100m transfer to Manchester City in 2021 raised eyebrows due to his relative inexperience in the Premier League. Despite this, Pep Guardiola handed him a £300,000-per-week contract. While his end product has been questioned, Grealish’s overall contributions to the team remain significant. If he can improve his output, he could fully justify City’s substantial investment.
4. Marcus Rashford (£300,000-per-week)
Marcus Rashford, Manchester United’s highest earner at £300,000 per week, received a pay rise after an impressive 2022/2023 season with 30 goals and 11 assists. However, his form dipped in 2023/24, leading to reduced playing time and exclusion from England’s Euro 2024 squad. This season, the winger has shown glimpses of his undeniable talent but has yet to hit the level of consistency that earned him his fat wage packet.
3. Raheem Sterling (£325,000-per-week)
Raheem Sterling became Chelsea’s highest earner under the ownership of Todd Boehly, who offers substantial wages as well as pay out massive transfer fees. However, his future at Stamford Bridge became uncertain after Enzo Maresca’s arrival, leading to a loan move to Arsenal. While Sterling continues to earn his full salary, Chelsea covers over £150,000 per week of his wages, effectively paying him to play for a rival.
2. Jude Bellingham (£337,336-per-week)
At just 21, Jude Bellingham is regarded as one of football’s brightest talents. After excelling at Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid signed him for £88.5m in 2023, offering him a £337,336-per-week salary. The investment paid off, with Bellingham scoring 19 goals from midfield to finish third in La Liga’s 2023/2024 Pichichi race as Los Blancos lifted the crown. A key player for England, he serves as an inspiration for young English footballers aspiring to make their mark internationally.
1. Harry Kane (£404,868-per-week)
Harry Kane secured a lucrative £404,868-per-week deal when he swapped north London for Munich in 2023. His remarkable tally of 44 goals in 45 games last season justified the investment despite Bayern Munich ending the season without silverware. Kane has continued his prolific scoring form this season and he could well be in line for a pay rise just months into his Bayern contract.