Midfielders are the backbone of any successful team, linking defense with attack, controlling possession, and dictating the tempo of the game. Given their influence, Premier League clubs reward top midfielders with significant wages.
Here’s a ranking of the highest-paid midfielders in the league as of 2025, starting from the lowest earner to the highest.
10. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)
•Weekly Wage: £240,000
•Annual Salary: £12.5 million
As Arsenal’s captain, Ødegaard is the creative hub of Mikel Arteta’s side. His intelligence, vision, and passing ability make him one of the most effective playmakers in the league. His leadership on and off the pitch has solidified his status as a key figure in Arsenal’s push for trophies, and his salary reflects his growing influence.
9. Declan Rice (Arsenal)
•Weekly Wage: £240,000
•Annual Salary: £12.5 million
Arsenal shattered their transfer record to bring in Rice from West Ham, securing one of Europe’s most dominant defensive midfielders. His ability to shield the defense, recover possession, and distribute the ball with composure has been vital to Arsenal’s title ambitions. His high wages underline his importance to the team.
8. Mason Mount (Manchester United)
•Weekly Wage: £250,000
•Annual Salary: £13 million
Mount’s move from Chelsea to Manchester United was expected to add creativity and dynamism to United’s midfield. Though injuries have limited his impact, his technical skills and work ethic remain highly valued. His salary places him among the league’s top earners in midfield, showing United’s long-term faith in his ability.
7. Kai Havertz (Arsenal)
•Weekly Wage: £280,000
•Annual Salary: £14.5 million
Havertz’s versatility has made him a key player for Arsenal since his move from Chelsea. Able to play as an advanced midfielder, second striker, or even a false nine, his adaptability is one of his greatest strengths. Despite early doubts, his contributions in big games and his tactical intelligence justify his significant wages.
6. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
•Weekly Wage: £300,000
•Annual Salary: £15.6 million
Fernandes has been Manchester United’s main creative force since his arrival, delivering goals, assists, and leadership. His ability to dictate play and produce game-changing moments makes him one of the most valuable midfielders in the league. His salary reflects his consistent performances and leadership within the squad.
5. Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)
•Weekly Wage: £300,000
•Annual Salary: £15.6 million
Chelsea’s record signing, Fernández has shown his class as a deep-lying playmaker since arriving from Benfica. His technical ability, composure under pressure, and passing range make him one of the most promising midfielders in world football. His high wages are a reflection of both his current ability and Chelsea’s long-term project.
4. Jack Grealish (Manchester City)
•Weekly Wage: £300,000
•Annual Salary: £15.6 million
Grealish’s £100 million transfer from Aston Villa to Manchester City made headlines, and after an adjustment period, he has become a crucial player in Guardiola’s tactical system. His ability to retain possession, draw defenders, and create chances makes him an asset in City’s dominant attacking play. His salary underscores his importance to the squad.
3. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
•Weekly Wage: £300,000
•Annual Salary: £15.6 million
One of the most intelligent and hardworking midfielders in the Premier League, Bernardo Silva’s dribbling, tactical awareness, and versatility allow him to excel in multiple roles. His role in Manchester City’s domestic and European dominance is invaluable, and his wages match his consistent performances.
2. Casemiro (Manchester United)
•Weekly Wage: £350,000
•Annual Salary: £18.2 million
Casemiro’s arrival from Real Madrid brought world-class defensive stability to Manchester United’s midfield. A five-time Champions League winner, his leadership, tackling, and reading of the game have been instrumental in United’s ability to compete at the highest level. His salary reflects both his experience and his continued influence on the team.
1. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
•Weekly Wage: £400,000
•Annual Salary: £20.8 million
De Bruyne stands at the top of this list as the highest-paid midfielder in the Premier League, and for good reason. Arguably the best playmaker in the world, his vision, passing, and ability to decide games with moments of brilliance have been central to Manchester City’s success. His wages reflect his world-class status and his indispensable role in Guardiola’s squad.
