Manchester City reigns supreme in the English Premier League (EPL) with the highest payroll for the 2024-2025 season, clocking in at £223,652,000 annually—or £4.3 million per week—according to Capology. That’s well ahead of Arsenal (£172.7m), Manchester United (£171.4m), Chelsea (£161.9m), and Liverpool (£129.4m). Backed by Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group since 2008, City’s financial muscle has built a squad that’s dominated the league, winning six titles under Pep Guardiola, including four straight by 2024.
Leading the wage pack is Erling Haaland, raking in £525,000 per week, the EPL’s top earner, followed by Kevin De Bruyne at £400,000. Stars like Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva (£300,000 each) add to the hefty bill, reflecting a roster stacked with talent. This depth—think Rodri, Phil Foden, and Ruben Dias—has fueled successes like the 2023 treble (Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League).
Compared to rivals, City’s spending dwarfs the competition. Manchester United, once the payroll leader at £384m in 2021-2022, now sits second, while Liverpool’s leaner £129.4m supports their current table-topping form. Globally, only Real Madrid and Bayern Munich outspend City’s £223m.
Critics point to over 100 Premier League charges alleging financial rule breaches, which City denies, but their trophy haul suggests value for money. Despite a dip this season, new signings like Omar Marmoush keep them competitive. In short, Manchester City’s payroll isn’t just big—it’s the backbone of a football dynasty.