Premier League footballers rank among the highest earners in athletics, with players from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United often facing scrutiny over their lucrative salaries.
A toxic mix of urgency and excess funds has prompted certain clubs to invest staggering amounts in players who fail to justify their costs.
Here’s a lineup of overpaid Premier League players, arranged in a 4-3-3 formation, representing five different clubs.
GK: Alphonse Areola (£120k)
Most goalkeepers in the Premier League earn moderate salaries or live up to their high wages with strong performances. Areola arguably does neither.
Although the West Ham No. 1 maintains a solid reputation, he struggles with his ball skills, leading Graham Potter to eye Leicester’s Mads Hermansen as a potential replacement.
RB: Matheus Nunes (£130k)
Upon moving to Manchester City from Wolves, Nunes arrived with considerable promise but has frequently been used in the makeshift right-back role.
His technical abilities are clear, yet consistency and a regular starting position under Pep Guardiola have eluded him.
At £130,000 per week, it’s conceivable he may soon be deemed an unnecessary expense for City, especially with their reported interest in Tino Livramento.
CB: Harry Maguire (£190k)
Maguire continues to be one of the most divisive figures in football.
Though his performances have improved recently, his hefty £190,000-a-week salary remains a point of contention among Manchester United fans.
Even an exemplary 2025-26 season might not change the prevailing opinions about him, although a transfer away from Old Trafford could shift the narrative.
CB: Wesley Fofana (£200k)
Fofana’s undeniable potential has often been hampered by injuries since his jump from Leicester to Chelsea in 2022.
With a £200,000 weekly salary at Stamford Bridge, he must overcome these physical setbacks to avoid becoming a financial liability.
LB: Ben Chilwell (£200k)
Frequent injuries have frustrated Chelsea fans, as they see Chilwell’s talent going to waste.
With a weekly wage of £200,000 and now sidelined under coach Enzo Maresca, the club is actively seeking a new destination for the left-back.
Chilwell had minimal impact during his loan at Crystal Palace last year and would need to accept a substantial pay cut for a permanent transfer.
CM: Mason Mount (£250k)
Mount’s transfer to Manchester United in 2023 was met with enthusiasm but has turned into a significant letdown.
Injury setbacks and underwhelming performances have led some to consider him one of the worst signings in Premier League history.
He continues to take home £250,000 per week, perhaps sleeping soundly at night amidst the criticism.
CM: Casemiro (£350k)
Casemiro joined Manchester United with an impressive resume filled with trophies from his time at Real Madrid.
However, after a strong initial period, concerns arose regarding his mobility and ability to adapt to the Premier League’s pace.
To validate his enormous £350,000 weekly salary, Casemiro must perform as a dominant force in United’s midfield, assuming his physical condition allows it.
CM: Kalvin Phillips (£150k)
Once a standout performer for both Leeds and England, Phillips has struggled to regain that form since his transition to Manchester City in 2022.
Injuries, limited game time, and a substantial decline in performance during loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich have amplified scrutiny over his £150,000 weekly wages.
His prospects of re-entering Guardiola’s plans appear slim; a career-saving move seems essential.
RW: Raheem Sterling (£325k)
Previously a crucial asset for both club and country, Sterling has seen a dramatic decline since his transfer from Manchester City to Chelsea in 2022.
At £325,000 per week, his fluctuating performances led to a loan move to Arsenal for the 2024-25 season, where he has had minimal influence.
The clock is ticking for Sterling to demonstrate he still has a place at the top level.
Fulham has reportedly shown interest in the 30-year-old, who would need to accept a significant pay reduction to join.
LW: Jack Grealish (£300k)
A crucial part of Manchester City’s treble-winning squad in 2023, Grealish’s £300,000 weekly salary appears excessive given his contributions.
While his ball-carrying skills and creativity are top-notch, the return on his investment is in question due to his output and role on the squad’s periphery.
Expected to leave City this summer, his high wages are deterring many potential suitors.
ST: Gabriel Jesus (£265k)
Recognized for his technical prowess and work ethic, Jesus has repeatedly faltered in finishing when it matters.
At £265,000 per week, Arsenal supporters anticipated a more prolific striker capable of delivering in key matches.
As Arsenal’s title ambitions hinge on players like Jesus, his recurring injuries have often left the team without a recognized striker.
With the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz’s versatility, his path to regular starts seems increasingly difficult, even when fit.
Image Source: Raheem Sterling @ Instagram
