When the Premier League season kicks off, all eyes are on the pitch, but an equally high-stakes battle is waged on the sidelines. The modern football manager is more than just a coach; they are strategists, leaders, and public faces of a multi-billion-pound enterprise. Naturally, this level of pressure and expectation comes with a significant financial reward. For the 2025/26 season, new faces, new contracts, and renewed ambition have reshaped the financial hierarchy of the Premier League's top bosses.
The Top Tier: The Elite of the Sideline
At the very top, a select few managers have commanded salaries that reflect their elite status and immense success.
Pep Guardiola (Manchester City) - £20 million: There is simply no debate at the top. Pep Guardiola's position as the highest-paid manager in the world is a testament to his transformative legacy at Manchester City. His massive £20 million annual salary is a reward for an unprecedented period of dominance, multiple league titles, and a distinct, trophy-winning philosophy. His contract isn't just a number; it's a statement of a club's unwavering belief in a proven mastermind.
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) - £13 million: Mikel Arteta has seen a remarkable rise, and his salary now reflects it. Following a recent contract extension, his wage has soared to an impressive £13 million. This pay rise signals Arsenal's firm commitment to the Spaniard, who has taken the Gunners from a period of uncertainty to consistent title contenders. His salary puts him firmly in the league's elite bracket, with the expectation that he will soon deliver a Premier League title.
Unai Emery (Aston Villa) - £8 million: Unai Emery’s transformation of Aston Villa has been nothing short of spectacular. He has taken the club from a relegation battle to the Champions League, and his new contract, reportedly worth £8 million a year, is a direct result of that success. This significant wage places him among the league's highest earners and shows Villa’s ambition to establish themselves as a European force.
The New Faces: Worth the Investment?
The 2025/26 season has seen significant managerial changes, with clubs placing huge financial bets on new coaches to usher in new eras.
Thomas Frank (Tottenham) - £8 million: In a surprising move, Thomas Frank left Brentford to take over at Tottenham. His new contract at Spurs, reportedly worth £8 million a year, is a huge step up from his time with the Bees. This is a massive show of faith from Tottenham, who will be hoping his tactical acumen and man-management skills can finally bring a major trophy to the club.
Arne Slot (Liverpool) - £6.9 million: Stepping into the shoes of a legend like Jürgen Klopp is arguably the toughest job in world football. Liverpool has backed Arne Slot with a contract worth an estimated £6.9 million a year. This generous salary reflects the faith the club has in his ability to continue the Reds’ success and implement his own tactical vision after an incredibly successful era.
Ruben Amorim (Manchester United) - £6.5 million: After taking over at Manchester United, Ruben Amorim's contract is reportedly worth £6.5 million. The salary represents a calculated gamble from the club, betting on the Portuguese manager's successful track record at Sporting CP to translate into success at one of the world's most valuable clubs.
The Mid-Table Mainstays: Consistency Pays
Not every high earner manages a title contender. These managers prove that stability, tactical prowess, and overachievement can be just as valuable as a league title.
David Moyes (Everton) - £5 million: After returning to Everton, David Moyes has been rewarded with a lucrative contract worth £5 million. The club is banking on his experience and leadership to not only keep them safe but also to rebuild and stabilize the team for the future.
Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace) - £4.5 million: Oliver Glasner has earned his reported £4.5 million salary by completely revitalizing Crystal Palace. His arrival saw a dramatic upturn in form, and his wage reflects his status as a high-quality coach capable of getting the most out of his squad.Enzo Maresca (Chelsea) - £4.2 million: Enzo Maresca's appointment at Chelsea came with a salary of around £4.2 million. While not the highest on the list, it's still a significant wage for a manager at a top-six club, showing the immense pressure he is under to deliver on the club's expectations and return them to the top four.
Marco Silva (Fulham) - £4 million & Eddie Howe (Newcastle) - £4 million: Both Marco Silva and Eddie Howe earn in the region of £4 million a year, a salary that reflects their successful efforts in turning their respective clubs into stable, competitive Premier League outfits. Their wages are a testament to the value of consistent performance and smart management.
Premier League's Richest Sidelines Looking at the Highest Paid Managers of 2025/26 Season
Rank | Manager | Club | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pep Guardiola | Manchester City | £20 million |
2 | Mikel Arteta | Arsenal | £13 million |
3 | Unai Emery | Aston Villa | £8 million |
4 | Thomas Frank | Tottenham | £8 million |
5 | Ruben Amorim | Manchester United | £6.5 million |
6 | Arne Slot | Liverpool | £6.2 million |
7 | David Moyes | Everton | £5 million |
8 | Oliver Glasner | Crystal Palace | £4.5 million |
9 | Enzo Maresca | Chelsea | £4.2 million |
10 | Marco Silva | Fulham | £4 million |
11 | Eddie Howe | Newcastle | £4 million |
The Shifting Sands of the Premier League
The 2025/26 season's managerial pay scale is a perfect reflection of the Premier League itself: a mix of established dynasties, bold new ventures, and ambitious clubs rewarding their proven leaders. While Pep Guardiola remains in a league of his own, the significant salaries commanded by Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery show that success is rewarded. At the same time, the appointments of Ruben Amorim and Arne Slot indicate that clubs are willing to pay big money for potential.
As the season unfolds, the question isn't just who will win, but which manager's salary will be best justified by their team's performance.