When it comes to football salaries, players often dominate the headlines. From multimillion-pound transfer deals to jaw-dropping weekly wages, it’s easy to forget that the tactical minds in the dugout are also handsomely rewarded. In the Premier League — widely considered the most competitive football league in the world — managers are often just as crucial as the players on the pitch. And their salaries reflect that responsibility.

Here’s a breakdown of the highest-paid Premier League managers for the 2025/26 season, from elite tacticians at title-chasing clubs to experienced figures guiding mid-table outfits.

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1. Pep Guardiola – Manchester City (£20m/year)

No surprise here. Pep Guardiola remains the highest-paid manager in the Premier League, earning a staggering £20 million per year. Since joining Manchester City in 2016, Guardiola has revolutionised English football. With multiple league titles, domestic trophies, and a long-awaited Champions League crown under his belt, his wage reflects both his success and City’s belief in sustained dominance under his leadership.

While critics may argue his achievements have been aided by City’s financial muscle, there’s no denying his tactical brilliance and transformative impact.

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2. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal (£10m/year)

Arteta has rapidly risen through the managerial ranks. A former assistant to Guardiola at City, he’s now Arsenal’s main man — both literally and financially. Earning £10 million annually, Arteta has revitalised the Gunners, turning them into serious title contenders after years in the wilderness.

By blending promising young talent with a clear tactical identity, Arteta has restored belief at the Emirates. If silverware follows, expect his stock — and salary — to rise even further.

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3. Unai Emery – Aston Villa (£8m/year)

After a short and underwhelming spell at Arsenal, Unai Emery has found redemption at Aston Villa. Now earning £8 million a year, Emery has transformed Villa into a top-four club, guiding them to Champions League qualification and making them a genuine threat to the traditional big six.

His tactical discipline and European pedigree have brought ambition back to Villa Park, and his salary signals the club’s intent to stay among the elite.

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4. Ruben Amorim – Manchester United (£6.5m/year)

Manchester United have placed their trust in one of Europe’s brightest young minds. Ruben Amorim, who arrived from Sporting CP, is being paid £6.5 million per season to revive the Red Devils.

While his start has been turbulent, Amorim’s modern tactical approach and emphasis on youth development have won him early backing. With United desperate to return to their former glory, Amorim’s salary reflects both the pressure and prestige of managing at Old Trafford.

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5. Arne Slot – Liverpool (£6.2m/year)

Filling the shoes of Jurgen Klopp was never going to be easy, but Arne Slot has made a dream start. After winning the Premier League title in his debut season, the Dutchman’s £6.2 million wage seems like money well spent.

Slot’s ability to blend high-energy football with tactical versatility has quickly made him a fan favourite at Anfield. Expectations are high, but so is the confidence the club has placed in him.

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Mid-Table Managers, Big Paydays

While the top five earners reflect elite ambition, mid-table managers are also bringing in impressive salaries:

• David Moyes (Everton) and Thomas Frank (Tottenham) both earn £5 million per year, representing experienced and steady hands at their respective clubs.
• Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace) is not far behind on £4.5 million, after guiding the Eagles to FA Cup success last season.
• Enzo Maresca (Chelsea), entrusted with a rebuild at Stamford Bridge, earns £4.2 million annually.
• Marco Silva (Fulham) and Eddie Howe (Newcastle) both sit on £4 million per year, reflecting the increased expectations at both clubs.

These figures underline how even teams outside the traditional top six are willing to pay for top managerial talent in the modern Premier League.

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The Lower End of the Scale

Even among the league’s strugglers or newly promoted sides, managers are earning salaries that would have been unthinkable a decade ago:

• Nuno Espirito Santo (Nottingham Forest) brings in £2 million/year, despite Forest’s European qualification.
• Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth) and Vitor Pereira (Wolves) each earn £1 million/year, which, while modest by Premier League standards, is still a significant figure globally.
• Salaries for Daniel Farke (Leeds), Scott Parker (Burnley), and Regis Le Bris (Sunderland) remain undisclosed, but are likely in the £1-3 million range.

These numbers demonstrate the financial might of the Premier League as a whole, even at the bottom end of the table.

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Managerial Salaries: A New Era

The role of a manager in modern football extends far beyond tactics and training. Managers are expected to handle media duties, oversee recruitment strategy, develop youth, and represent the club’s brand — all while delivering results.

Given these demands, the rise in managerial wages makes sense. Clubs are investing heavily in leadership, recognising that the right manager can be as impactful as any star signing.

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Final Whistle

The 2025/26 Premier League season isn’t just a battle between players; it’s also a contest of tactical masterminds — each earning hefty sums to deliver success, style, and silverware. With massive salaries come even bigger expectations, and only time will tell who justifies their paycheck in what promises to be another thrilling campaign.