Manchester City, one of the Premier League’s most dominant clubs, has built a squad filled with some of the best players in the world. Backed by Sheikh Mansour and the Abu Dhabi United Group since 2008, the club’s financial power has transformed them into a global football giant. But success comes at a cost, and their massive wage bill reflects just that.
City’s total first-team salary for the 2023/24 season stands at £201.86 million, making it the highest in the Premier League. The midfield department takes up the biggest chunk of this amount, followed by defenders, forwards, and goalkeepers.
But who earns the most among the Sky Blues? Spoiler: It’s not Erling Haaland. Here’s everything you need to know about who earns what at the Etihad Stadium.
WHO EARNS THE MOST?
It’s no surprise that Manchester City’s stars command some of the biggest paychecks in football. At the top of the list is Kevin De Bruyne, earning a massive £20.8 million a year. The Belgian playmaker, widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the game, also holds the title of the Premier League’s highest-paid player.
Erling Haaland, the goal-scoring machine, comes next with an annual salary of £19.5 million. Since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, the Norwegian striker has been worth every penny, breaking records and delivering goals in abundance.
Jack Grealish, the club’s record signing, and Bernardo Silva, one of Guardiola’s most trusted players, both pocket £15.6 million annually. Rounding out the top five is John Stones, who earns £13 million, making him the highest-paid defender at the club.
THE LOWEST EARNERS:
At the other end of the scale, academy graduate Josh Wilson-Esbrand is the lowest-paid first-team player, earning £364,000 a year. Rising stars Rico Lewis and James McAtee also rank among the lowest earners, with salaries of £1.3 million and £780,000, respectively.
While these figures may seem low compared to the club’s senior players, they represent the starting point for young talents aiming to establish themselves in one of the world’s top teams.
POSITION-BY-POSITION SALARY BREAKDOWN:
Manchester City’s wage structure reflects their focus on building a balanced squad, with midfielders accounting for the largest slice of the salary pie.
- Goalkeepers: £11.44 million
- Highest Earner: Ederson (£5.2 million)
- Lowest Earner: Scott Carson (£1.56 million)
- Defenders: £61.20 million
- Highest Earner: John Stones (£13 million)
- Lowest Earner: Josh Wilson-Esbrand (£364,000)
- Midfielders: £86.84 million
- Highest Earner: Kevin De Bruyne (£20.8 million)
- Lowest Earner: James McAtee (£780,000)
- Forwards: £42.38 million
- Highest Earner: Erling Haaland (£19.5 million)
- Lowest Earner: Savinho (£2.08 million)
TOTAL ANNUAL SALARY COSTS:
Manchester City’s total wage bill for the first team reaches an eye-watering £201.86 million. This amount underscores the club’s commitment to maintaining a squad capable of competing for trophies across all competitions.
- Midfielders: £86.84 million
- Defenders: £61.20 million
- Forwards: £42.38 million
- Goalkeepers: £11.44 million
BIG SPENDING, BIG RESULTS:
City’s investment in player salaries has undeniably paid off, with the club securing six Premier League titles in the last eight seasons under Pep Guardiola. Their financial strength has also allowed them to attract and retain world-class talent like Haaland, De Bruyne, and Grealish.
While some may question the sustainability of such spending, Manchester City’s dominance on the pitch continues to justify their hefty wage bill. As the team aims for more trophies this season, their star players will remain crucial to their success.
CONCLUSION:
Manchester City’s wage structure showcases the financial muscle that has driven their success in recent years. With a mix of experienced superstars and promising young talents, the Sky Blues are not just one of the highest-spending clubs—they’re also one of the most successful in modern football.
