The 15 Most Underpaid Players in the Premier League

With the inflation of wages in recent years, footballers are currently earning more than they ever have before. Some of the biggest stars in the sport, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, are taking home ridiculous amounts of money every single week. Even certain managers are picking up massive salaries these days.

Despite this, there are still some players who aren’t that lucky. There are many who, despite being incredibly talented and important to their teams, are being paid pennies in comparison to their direct competitors. From youngsters who are possibly on the verge of a massive payday, to stars who are underappreciated at their teams, there are some very interesting names included in the 15 most underpaid Premier League players this season (wages via Capology).

15–11: FA Cup Winners and Unsung Heroes

Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League, understandably, means they haven’t got the highest wage bill in the top flight. But Robin Roefs’ exploits since arriving at the Stadium of the Light have been remarkable, arguably the best goalkeeper this season.

Roefs has kept seven clean sheets in 23 games but is the lowest-earning starting goalkeeper in the league, and that’s why he lands on this list of the most underpaid players. Goalies aren’t usually as well paid as outfield men, but the 23-year-old deserves more than the £30,000 per week he currently earns.

Steve Parish might have to get the wagebook out soon, as several players warrant more money given their FA Cup win last season. Ismaila Sarr is one of the most underrated attackers in the league, and the Senegalese winger could be turning to his agents if Jean-Philippe Mateta follows Eberechi Eze out the door.

Sarr is on £70,000 per week, and if Mateta were to leave, the 27-year-old would become an even more important player in the Eagles’ side. Daniel Munoz has been equally crucial at Selhurst Park, and the Colombian was statistically one of the most effective wing-backs in Europe last season.

The 29-year-old already has three goals and as many assists in 14 games this season, and that’s in a Palace side struggling for form. It doesn’t get any easier for the South London outfit as Adam Wharton’s future is uncertain amid a host of Europe’s top sides eyeing the English midfielder.

Liverpool and Real Madrid are reportedly chasing his signature, and the 21-year-old would probably jump at the chance to join a Champions League club. That would not only be a sporting decision but, given his £35,000 weekly wages, likely a financial one too.

Jacob Murphy deserves more recognition among Premier League fans for his contributions at Newcastle United, and that includes from the decision-makers at St James’ Park. The English winger registered 12 assists in the league last season, and he produced man-of-the-match performances while taking home just £35,000 per week.

10–6: Main Men

It’s little surprise to hear that Mateta is demanding to leave Palace in the January transfer window, with Juventus keen to bring him to the Allianz Stadium. The French forward was excellent last season, and while he’s come off the boil this term, there’s no doubt most Premier League sides would have him in their team.

Mateta will expect a pay rise on the £50,000-per-week wages he earns at Selhurst Park, an amount that doesn’t reflect the 28-year-old’s status in the Eagles’ team. This is the same situation for Brentford’s Igor Thiago, who has been the Bees’ talisman in an outstanding season for Keith Andrews’ men.

Perhaps not even Matthew Benham expected the 24-year-old to become the revelation he has been at Gtech, and that is why he was handed a £50,000-per-week contract in the summer of 2024. If the Brazilian continues at this level of productivity, he will leave the higher-ups with little choice but to consider a new deal.

Ezri Konsa has cemented his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England team and looks certain to be on the plane to the USA for this summer’s World Cup.It’s not just for his country where the versatile defender has shone but he’s a key man in Unai Emery’s defence at Aston Villa.

Some outstanding displays for the Villans have helped them toy with an unlikely Premier League title challenge. The 28-year-old’s future could be one to watch this summer, given he takes home £75,000 per week and Liverpool have him on their wishlist.

Photo courtesy of Reuters.

Everton’s change in ownership should be factored in when assessing their squad’s wages, but Iliman Ndiaye should be on more than £45,000 per week. The Senegalese winger has been the main man for the Toffees since arriving from Sheffield United in July 2024.

Now that the Friedkin Group has got their Hill Dickinson stadium move sorted, it could be time to head to the negotiating table with the 25-year-olds’ agents. If they let him continue to wow, they risk clubs circling for his signature, though they have time, given his current deal isn’t up until 2029.

5-1: Superstars and Starlets

Kobbie Mainoo’s contract saga has been a talking point at Old Trafford over the past year with doubts over the Manchester United midfielder extending his stay at his boyhood club. If the Red Devils are to get him to pen a new deal, he might be demanding terms that make him one of their highest earners.

Michael Carrick’s arrival as caretaker manager has led to a U-turn, and the club are ready to enter talks over a contract extension. The English midfielder sits on a mere £25,000 per week, earning less than the likes of Tom Heaton (£45,000) and Tyrell Malacia (£75,000) who can’t even get a game.

United were keen to bring Carlos Baleba to the Theater of Dreams last summer but Brighton insisted the Cameroonian midfielder wasn’t for sale. The Seagulls run the risk of the 22-year-old potentially pushing for the move as he makes just £12,500 per week at the Amex.

Baleba hasn’t quite been at his best this season amid links with the Red Devils, but it seems insane that he is on such a low salary. That could lead to a summer exit if Tony Bloom doesn’t quickly come up with new terms.

Another of English football’s midfield gems is Elliot Anderson, who could also be joining Mainoo at United in the summer. The Red Devils are keen on the England international, who has been a regular under Tuchel, and his £40,000 per week wages make him highly sought-after.

That’s because Anderson has been pulling the strings in midfield for Nottingham Forest and lived up to expectations after a slow start. He arrived at the City Ground from Newcastle back in the summer of 2024 and the Magpies’ decision to sell the 23-year-old looks foolish.

Arsenal spent £60m on Martin Zubimendi last summer, and maybe that’s why he is only earning £75,000 per week at the Emirates. It’s a huge surprise to see the Spain international not at least over the £100,000 mark, given he is regarded as one of Europe’s most highly-rated midfielders.

Zubimendi has starred in his debut season with the Gunners and will have played a massive role in a title win should Mikel Arteta’s men indeed become champions. The 26-year-old eanrs less than fellow signings Noni Madueke (£150,000) and Eberechi Eze (£180,000) despite playing a more integral role in the team.

How Jeremy Doku is sitting on £50,000 at a club with the riches of Manchester City in his third season at the Etihad is anyone’s guess. The Belgian winger has been one of Pep Guardiola’s top performers this season and put in one of the best performances of any winger in recent years in the 3-0 win over Liverpool in November.

It seems unlikely the 23-year-old will be leaving anytime soon, but it could be one to watch if the likes of Real Madrid come calling. He’s registered three goals and nine assists in 28 games across competitions this season and surely is knocking on Hugo Viana’s door about an improved contract.