The career of a Premier League footballer is a relatively short one in comparison to other professions, so it makes sense that the players involved want to cash-in their talents while they can. Admit it you would, wouldn’t you?
Thanks to the ever increasing TV money, endorsements and sponsorships in the sport now, players are able to play the game with their employers when it comes to wages and other fees.
At the end of the day, it’s the players on the pitch that bring in the money through their performances and their associations.
You just need to look at Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Juventus, they paid nearly £100 million for his services, but within 24 hours of his arrival, the club had sold $60million worth of shirts with his name on the back.
In the Premier League, Manchester City have the highest collective wage bill estimated at £261 million, but individually who are the 20 highest earning players? We take a look.
Javier Hernandez – £140,000
West Ham’s owners will surely not be happy with Hernandez’s first season back in the Premier League, after scoring just eight goals.
The Mexican will argue that he wasn’t given any form of real service during a turbulent season for the Hammers.
There is no doubt the 30-year-old’s reputation as a goalscorer for Man United and Bayer Leverkusen gave him the opportunity to negotiate such a huge wage.
Ilkay Gundogan – £140,000
Gundogan arrived in Manchester in June 2016 from Borussia Dortmund for an estimated £20 million.
But just six months later he suffered a knee ligament injury that forced him to the sidelines for nine months. Since his return in November 2017, the German featured heavily in City’s title winning season.
Raheem Sterling – £150,000
If there is one player that shows the ‘Pep effect’, it is Raheem Sterling. His performances last season for City certainly justified his huge wages and fans are starting to see why he cost the club almost £50 million.
The 2017/18 season was a record breaking one for the winger, as he scored 18 leagues goals and missed just five games.
Vincent Kompany – £150,000
He has had his injury issues but there is no denying that Vincent Kompany is still an important member of Manchester City’s squad.
Days have gone when the club captain is paid the most and considering his injury problems the Belgian will surely be more than happy with his weekly pay packet.
Cesc Fabregas – £156,000
Fabregas’ arrival at Chelsea in 2014, wasn’t well received by Arsenal fans, but his decision has been more than justified.
With two Premier League titles, a FA Cup and a League Cup, he has certainly been worth the £30 million Chelsea paid Barcelona and the wages of course.
David Silva – £160,000
Incredibly David Silva is the highest paid player at Man City and only the 15th highest in the league.
The 30-year-old’s contract currently runs until Summer 2020, but if he continues performing like he did last season, he will surely be looking at another contract extension.
