Who are the top five highest-paid Manchester City players after the club added some new faces in the summer transfer window? Over the last decade, the Cityzens have not only dominated English football but also transformed into one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for elite players. That rise, however, comes at a significant cost.
Pep Guardiola’s side are now among the top spenders in football wages — a testament to the club’s ambition to remain at the pinnacle of both domestic and European competitions. With some high-profile departures in recent months, including Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City have reshaped their salary structure to reward their new stars.
So, who makes the list of the top five highest-paid Manchester City players in 2025? Below is a detailed look at the club’s biggest earners and the story behind their lucrative deals.
Tijjani Reijnders – £230,000
Kicking off the list is Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, one of the latest additions to Guardiola’s midfield.
Reijnders joined Manchester City during the summer transfer window after an outstanding season at AC Milan. His arrival came as part of City’s long-term midfield rebuild following the exits of some experienced players.
Reijnders’ rise has been nothing short of spectacular. At Milan, he established himself as one of Serie A’s most reliable performers, helping the Rossoneri control games with his calmness on the ball, vision, and range of passing. Despite AC Milan finishing eighth in the league, his individual brilliance did not go unnoticed — he was named Serie A Midfielder of the Season, further boosting his stock across Europe.
Manchester City moved swiftly to secure his signature, viewing him as an ideal successor to Ilkay Gündoğan. Guardiola’s system demands intelligent, technical, and hardworking midfielders — and Reijnders fits that description perfectly.
According to reports, the Netherlands international earns £230,000 per week, placing him among the top five highest-paid Manchester City players. That figure reflects both the club’s confidence in his potential and the growing value of top-tier midfielders in modern football.
So far, Reijnders has lived up to expectations. He has already contributed three assists and a goal this season while providing structure and balance in the middle of the park. For Guardiola, he represents the future of City’s midfield — and for fans, he’s quickly becoming a favourite for his creativity and composure.
John Stones – £250,000
Few players symbolize Manchester City’s evolution under Pep Guardiola like John Stones. Since joining the club from Everton nine years ago, the England international has developed into one of the most intelligent and versatile defenders in world football.
Stones has played a crucial role in Guardiola’s tactical revolution — transitioning seamlessly between defence and midfield during City’s treble-winning campaigns. His ability to read the game, distribute with precision, and step into midfield makes him one of the most valuable assets in the squad.
Given his importance, it’s no surprise that Stones earns £250,000 per week, a salary that firmly secures his place among the top five highest-paid Manchester City players. No other defender at the club comes close — he reportedly earns £50,000 more per week than his nearest competitor, Josko Gvardiol.
Stones’ consistency and leadership have been vital to City’s dominance in England and Europe. Though injuries have occasionally disrupted his rhythm, his performances when fit have been exceptional.
There are reports that discussions are already underway to extend his contract, ensuring that the 30-year-old remains a cornerstone of Guardiola’s system for years to come. His experience and influence in the dressing room are invaluable — and City are keen to keep their defensive general at the Etihad Stadium beyond next year when his current contract will expire.
Omar Marmoush – £295,000
A new face but already one of the biggest earners — Omar Marmoush’s arrival at Manchester City in January 2025 surprised many across Europe. The Egyptian forward, who impressed at Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, made the switch to the Premier League midway through the season and quickly became a central part of Guardiola’s attacking setup.
Marmoush’s journey to City has been defined by hard work and determination. At Frankfurt, he emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s most dangerous forwards, known for his pace, pressing, and ability to create chances out of nothing. His performances earned him a lucrative five-year deal at Manchester City, keeping him at the club until June 2029.
Under the terms of his new contract, Marmoush earns £295,000 per week, making him one of the top five highest-paid Manchester City players. Only two other players — Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland — earn more.
Since joining, Marmoush has adapted well to Guardiola’s high-tempo system. His versatility allows him to operate across the front line, either as a central striker or out wide, providing much-needed depth in a demanding season.
Bernardo Silva – £300,000
When you think of Manchester City’s success under Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva’s name inevitably comes to mind. The Portuguese playmaker has been one of City’s most influential players since joining from AS Monaco in 2017. Renowned for his technical brilliance, tactical intelligence, and relentless work ethic, Silva has consistently delivered at the highest level.
Silva’s ability to operate in multiple roles — as a winger, central midfielder, or even a false nine — has made him indispensable to Guardiola’s system. Whether controlling possession, pressing opponents, or unlocking defences, he remains one of the most complete players in world football.
As recognition of his impact, Silva earns a staggering £300,000 per week, which places him among the top five highest-paid Manchester City players.
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The Portuguese star has been instrumental in City’s domestic and continental triumphs — from Premier League titles to the long-awaited Champions League crown.
Now one of the senior figures in the squad, Silva’s influence extends beyond the pitch. He represents the culture and resilience that have defined City’s modern era — and his salary reflects not just his talent but his legacy at the club.
Erling Haaland – £525,000
At the top of the list, and by a considerable margin, stands Erling Haaland — the Norwegian sensation who has redefined goal scoring in English football. Since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, Haaland has shattered records, silenced doubters, and established himself as one of the most lethal strikers on the planet.
With an astonishing tally of goals across competitions, Haaland’s impact has been immediate and historic. In his debut Premier League campaign, he broke the record for the most goals in a single season — a feat that underlined his extraordinary finishing ability and hunger for success.
His weekly wage of £525,000 makes him not only the highest earner at Manchester City but also one of the highest-paid footballers in the world. The figure is a reflection of both his individual brilliance and commercial value.
Earlier this year, on January 17, 2025, Haaland signed a new long-term contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2034. The deal, one of the most lucrative in football history, ensures that City will continue to build their attack around the Norwegian forward for the next decade.
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For City, securing Haaland’s future was non-negotiable. His unmatched scoring consistency, coupled with his physical presence and determination, make him the ultimate modern striker.
Manchester City’s wage structure reflects their position at the top of European football. To compete at the highest level, the club continues to invest heavily in both established stars and emerging talents.
Therefore, the top five highest-paid Manchester City players at the start of 2025/26 season are:
1. Erling Haaland – £525,000
2. Bernardo Silva – £300,000
3. Omar Marmoush – £295,000
4. John Stones – £250,000
5. Tijjani Reijnders – £230,000
