While the Premier League is one of the biggest and best leagues in Europe, the Championship isn’t far off, especially in terms of drama.
Over the years, some massive teams have found themselves fighting it out in the second tier, desperate to return to the top flight. This includes the likes of Leicester City, Southampton, West Ham United and Blackburn Rovers. Two of these sides have even won the Premier League since its inception, showing how volatile the division is.
Since 1992, wages have gradually increased over time. Back then, John Barnes was earning £10,000 per week for Liverpool. Fast-forward to the start of the current season and the highest paid player in the top flight is Erling Haaland, earning a staggering £525,000 a week. Obscene? Yes. But it won’t stop there, not with the money flowing into the game right now.
The 15 highest-paid players in the Premier League (2024/25)
There are some eye-watering salaries flying around the top flight.
The 15 most expensive signings in EFL Championship history
The second tier has had its fair share of mega-money deals.
ByRoss KilvingtonFeb 3, 2025 11 Lewis O'Brien (Swansea) £50,000 per week
Lewis O’Brien was part of the Nottingham Forest squad during their first foray into the Premier League this century back in 2022/23 before landing at current club Swansea in January on a loan deal.
He has played four times for the Swans so far and could be crucial in their bid to achieve a top-half finish in the division. As such, the midfielder is earning £50,000 a week during his temporary spell in Wales.
10 Hamza Choudhury (Sheff Utd) £50,000 per week
Hamza Choudhury made his mark at Leicester City, featuring 131 times for the Foxes, winning the FA Cup in 2021.
He was key in their promotion back into the Premier League last term, playing 34 Championship matches during the club’s promotion campaign, and it looked as though his influence would be vital in the top flight.
The 27-year-old made just four appearances during the first half of the season, failing to secure a regular place in the starting XI and has since been moved on loan to Sheffield United.
Given his ability, the Blades have made a wise signing indeed. While at the club, he will be earning a salary of £50,000 per week.
9 Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff) £50,000 per week
Once one of the finest midfielders of his generation, Aaron Ramsey is now back with his first club as he winds down his career.
Injuries may have hampered his chances of reaching his full potential, but playing for Arsenal and Juventus, while featuring in a European final with Rangers, have created plenty of career highlights.
A hamstring injury has plagued him this season, as the Welshman has played just seven games for Cardiff across all competitions. His contract expires at the end of the campaign, and it remains to be seen whether he will be offered an extension.
The 34-year-old is currently earning £50,000 per week in the Championship. Considering his output, perhaps this type of money could be better spent elsewhere next season.
8 Pascal Struijk (Leeds) £50,000 per week
Pascal Struijk joined Leeds United in 2018, but had to wait until the 2019/20 season to make his debut for the club. Since then, the Dutchman has made over 150 appearances, including 82 in the Premier League.
In the second tier this term, the 25-year-old has won 60% of his total duels while helping his side keep 16 clean sheets across 29 matches. His £50,000-per-week wages make him one of the highest-paid players in the Championship, but on this evidence, he is well worth it.
7 Manor Solomon (Leeds) £60,000 per week
While Struijk is keeping things tight at the back for Leeds, Manor Solomon is making things happen in the final third, and this could push the club back into the top flight after two years away.
Indeed, the Israeli star has scored seven league goals while grabbing seven assists for the club this term, with the Elland Road side currently sitting top of the Championship table.
Should they go on to achieve promotion, the 25-year-old could be a key player if Leeds can retain his services, and he currently earns £60,000 per week in West Yorkshire.
6 Junior Firpo (Leeds) £60,000 per week
Another Leeds player. Junior Firpo joined the club from Barcelona, where he made 41 appearances for the Catalan side. His time at Leeds has been up and down, but showed his class in their recent 3-1 win at promotion rivals Sheffield United with a goal and an assist.
This season alone, he has registered eight assists in the Championship as Leeds are on the brink of a return to the Premier League.
Between 2021 and 2023, Firpo played 43 matches in the top flight, so he should know exactly what to expect upon promotion. Alongside Solomon, he also earns £60,000 per week, ranking him as one of the highest-paid players at Elland Road.
5 Nathaniel Phillips (Derby) £65,000 per week
Nathaniel Phillips’ latest move saw him join Derby County on a season-long loan deal last summer. Since joining Liverpool in 2016, the 27-year-old has played only 29 times for the Reds, with his loan move to Derby being the fifth such move of his career.
His contract with the Anfield side expires at the end of this season, and it doesn’t appear as though he will be a regular feature of Arne Slot’s team for 2025/26.
The Championship appears to be his level, playing 21 times for the Rams during the current campaign, where he is earning a staggering £65,000 per week.
4 Enzo Le Fee (Sunderland) £67,000 per week
Enzo Le Fee joined Sunderland from AS Roma on loan until the end of the season during the winter window, marking a massive statement of intent by the Black Cats.
He had only moved to Roma six months previously and has gone on to make eight appearances for the Championship side already, registering two goal contributions.
If all goes well, Sunderland will have the option of signing Le Fee on a permanent basis ahead of next season. Securing promotion will bolster their chances of securing the deal for the Frenchman, who earns £67,000 per week at the club.
3 Mason Holgate (West Brom) £70,000 per week
Despite appearing for Everton this season, Mason Holgate was sent out on loan to West Bromwich Albion for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.
Since his move, the Englishman has made 20 Championship appearances for the Baggies, winning 60% of his total duels while losing possession just 6.6 times per game in the second tier.
Performances like this may well impress David Moyes, who has prevented the Toffees from suffering yet another relegation battle.
Holgate is earning a hefty £70,000 per week during his time at The Hawthorns.
