Hate them or love them, the best football players are paid mammoth sums to ply their trade week in week out by respective clubs.
As of
2022, Lionel Messi is the best-paid footballer on the planet, taking home over
one million dollars in wages, every week. The likes of Ronaldo, Neymar, and
Mbappe are not far behind.
Factors such as players; age, iconic status, talent, position, and contribution to a team’s success determine the amount a footballer is to earn.
With that in mind, here are five players we believe are paid less they deserve in the Premier League.
Bukayo Saka - £30,000 Per Week
Since
making his debut for Arsenal in 2018 under Unai Emery, Bukayo Saka has gone
from strength to strength to become the Gunners' most important player.
The
20-year-old stellar performances earned him an Arsenal player of the season award
for the 2020/ 21 season, and also a call-up to represent England at Euro 2020.
Saka
has also been remarkable for Arsenal in the 2021/22 season, meaning it’s just a
matter of time before he is handed an even more impressive deal considering he
just earns £30,000 per week.
Eduardo Mendy - £52,000 Per Week
The Chelsea Star, 29, had an unforgettable season since joining them in September 2020.
His flawless performances pushed Chelsea to win UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup.
He was a breath of fresh air for the Blues, who had endured an unconvincing two-year spell with Kepa Arrizaballaga as their first-choice goalkeeper.
As a result of his Heroics, Mendy was recognized as one of the world’s best, finishing second in the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper, during the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Chelsea paid a transfer fee of £22 million to acquire his services and tied him to a 5-year contract worth £52,000 per week.
Reece James - £58,000 Per Week
Arguably one of the best right-backs in football today, Reece James has cemented his place in starting team since his promotion from the Chelsea youth team.
He has dominated the right flank, occasionally tracking back to subdue left-wingers, bursting into crossing positions, or drifting inside to link with centre midfielders.
According to transfermarkt his market value is around £45.5 million and is expected to rise if he does not fall off.
James is on £58,000 per week, having signed a 6-year contract in 2020.
Sadio Mane - £150,000 Per Week
The 29-year-old is in his 8th Premier League season, six of which he has been with Liverpool.
His EPL goal tally stands at 102 in under 250 appearances, an impressive feat for a winger.
On top of that, he was clutch as Liverpool won the Premier League in 2020 and Champions league in 2019.
Although he is one of the best-paid African footballers, his weekly wage of £150,000 is sub-par compared to other players of his calibre.
Mohamed Salah - £200,000 Per Week
Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Mo Salah has won it all.
The Egyptian helped the Reds to Champions League triumph in 2019 and Premier League title win 2020.
He twice finished Premier League top goalscorer in 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons.
Salah was also voted Premier league player of the season for 2017/18.
His heroics have earned him a seat at the table of the world’s best footballers.
Despite that, his £200,000 weekly wage doesn’t fall into the same level as other elite footballers such as Ronaldo, De Bruyne, and many more.