Any successful team relies heavily on its midfielders to control possession, link attack and defence, and set the game’s pace. Premier League clubs pay their best midfield players a lot because of their influence.
Starting from lowest to highest, here is a list of the league’s best-paid midfielders as of 2025.
10. Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard
• Wage per week: £240,000
• Salary per year: £12.5 million
Ødegaard is the creative centre of Mikel Arteta’s team as captain of Arsenal. He is one of the league’s best playmakers because of his intelligence, vision, and passing prowess. His pay reflects his increasing influence, and his leadership both on and off the pitch has cemented his place as a pivotal player in Arsenal’s trophy-winning campaign.
9. Arsenal’s Declan Rice
• Wage per week: £240,000
• Salary per year: £12.5 million
In order to acquire one of Europe’s most formidable defensive midfielders, Rice was acquired by Arsenal from West Ham, shattering their transfer record. His ability to recover possession, distribute the ball calmly, and shield the defence has been essential to Arsenal’s hopes of winning the championship. His importance to the squad is highlighted by his substantial salary.
8. Manchester United’s Mason Mount
• Wage per week: £250,000
• Salary per year: £13 million
It was anticipated that Mount’s transfer from Chelsea to Manchester United would give United’s midfield more originality and energy. Even though his influence has been diminished by injuries, his technical proficiency and hard ethic are still highly regarded. His pay puts him in the top midfield earners in the league, demonstrating United’s sustained confidence in his skills.
7. Arsenal’s Kai Havertz
• Wage per week: £280,000
• Salary per year: £14.5 million
Since leaving Chelsea, Havertz has been a vital member of Arsenal due to his flexibility. His versatility is one of his best qualities; he can play as a false nine, second striker, or even an advanced midfielder. Despite early scepticism, his tactical acumen and contributions during important games make his high salary justified.
6. Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes
• Wage per week: £300,000.
• Salary per year: £15.6 million
Since coming to Manchester United, Fernandes has been the team’s primary creative force, contributing goals, assists, and leadership. He is among the league’s most useful midfielders because of his capacity to control play and create moments that alter games. His pay is commensurate with his steady output and team leadership.
5. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández
• Wage per week: £300,000.
• Salary per year: £15.6 million
Since coming from Benfica, Fernández, Chelsea’s record-breaking acquisition, has proven himself as a classy deep-lying playmaker. He is one of the most promising midfielders in international football because of his technical skill, poise under duress, and passing range. His big salary is a reflection of Chelsea’s long-term goal as well as his present skill level.
4. Manchester City’s Jack Grealish
• Wage per week: £300,000.
• Salary per year: £15.6 million
Following a time of adjustment, Grealish—who cost £100 million to go from Aston Villa to Manchester City—has emerged as a key component of Guardiola’s tactical scheme. He contributes to City’s superior attacking play because of his capacity to hold onto the ball, attract defenders, and generate opportunities. His pay reflects how valuable he is to the team.
3. Manchester City player Bernardo Silva
• Wage per week: £300,000.
• Salary per year: £15.6 million
Bernardo Silva is one of the Premier League’s smartest and most diligent midfielders. His versatility, tactical awareness, and dribbling skills enable him to succeed in a variety of roles. His contributions to Manchester City’s supremacy both at home and abroad are priceless, and his pay is commensurate with his steady output.
2. Manchester United’s Casemiro
• Wage per week: £350,000
• Salary per year: £18.2 million
Manchester United’s midfield gained elite defensive stability with Casemiro’s transfer from Real Madrid. United has been able to compete at the greatest level thanks in large part to his leadership, tackling, and game reading. He has won the Champions League five times. His experience and ongoing impact on the squad are reflected in his pay.
1. Manchester City player Kevin De Bruyne
• Wage per week: £400,000
• Salary per year: £20.8 million
With good cause, De Bruyne is the highest-paid midfield player in the Premier League and is ranked first on our list. Manchester City’s success has been largely attributed to his vision, passing, and ability to end games with flashes of genius. He is perhaps the best playmaker in the world. His salary is commensurate with his elite standing and his vital contribution to Guardiola’s team.
