In the high-stakes world of the English Premier League, the tactical battle on the touchline is matched only by the financial competition in the boardroom, managerial salaries have reached unprecedented heights, with clubs increasingly viewing their head coach as their most valuable asset. From the record-breaking figures at Manchester City to the strategic investments at clubs like Aston Villa and Tottenham, the cost of top-tier leadership is steeper than ever.
This article provides a definitive breakdown of the highest-paid managers in the Premier League, their weekly earnings, and how they compare to the global elite.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Managers in the Premier League (2025/2026)
The hierarchy of managerial pay has seen some movement recently, particularly with Thomas Frank’s high-profile move to Tottenham and Mikel Arteta’s contract extension.
| Rank | Manager | Club | Annual Salary | Weekly Salary |
| 1 | Pep Guardiola | Manchester City | £20.0 Million | £384,615 |
| 2 | Mikel Arteta | Arsenal | £15.0 Million | £288,461 |
| 3 | Thomas Frank | Tottenham | £8.0 Million | £153,846 |
| 4 | Unai Emery | Aston Villa | £8.0 Million | £153,846 |
| 5 | Amorim | Man United | £6.75 Million | £129,807 |
| 6 | Arne Slot | Liverpool | £6.2 Million | £119,230 |
| 7 | Eddie Howe | Newcastle | £6.0 Million | £115,384 |
| 8 | David Moyes | Everton | £5.0 Million | £96,153 |
| 9 | Nuno Espírito Santo | West Ham | £4.5 Million | £86,538 |
| 10 | Liam Rosenior | Chelsea | £4.0 Million | £76,923 |
Key Insights into Managerial Wages
Pep Guardiola: The Gold Standard
Still holding the title of the highest-paid coach in England, Pep Guardiola earns approximately £384,615 per week.
The Rise of Thomas Frank & Unai Emery
Two of the most significant earners outside the "traditional" Big Six are Thomas Frank and Unai Emery.
Thomas Frank at Spurs: Since joining Tottenham in early 2026, Frank’s salary jumped to £8 million, making him the joint third-highest-paid boss in the league.
Newcastle and Burnley: The Middle Ground
Eddie Howe (Newcastle): Despite the club being owned by the wealthiest group in football, Howe’s £6 million annual salary (£115k/week) remains relatively modest compared to his Big Six counterparts, though it includes significant performance bonuses for Top 4 finishes.Scott Parker (Burnley): As of early 2026, Parker’s salary is estimated at £1.6 million per year, or roughly £30,769 per week, reflecting the budget tier of clubs fighting for mid-table stability.
Who is the Highest-Paid Coach in the World?
While the Premier League is wealthy, it does not hold the top two spots globally in 2026:
Diego Simeone (Atlético Madrid): £25.9 Million
Simone Inzaghi (Al-Hilal): £25.3 Million
Pep Guardiola (Man City): £20.0 Million
Salary Comparison Table
| Manager | Club | Salary Type | Amount |
| Pep Guardiola | Man City | Per Week | £384,615 |
| Thomas Frank | Tottenham | Per Week | £153,846 |
| Eddie Howe | Newcastle | Per Week | £115,384 |
| Scott Parker | Burnley | Per Week | £30,769 |
Mikel Arteta: "Earning" the Next Extension
As of February 2026, Mikel Arteta is entering a critical phase of his tenure. While he is one of the highest-paid managers at £15 million per year, his recent comments suggest a high-pressure environment at the Emirates.
Contract Status: His current deal runs until June 2027.
The "Silverware" Trigger: Despite three consecutive runner-up finishes, Arteta publicly admitted in late 2025 that he must "earn the right" to a new extension by finally delivering a major trophy—specifically the Premier League or Champions League.Performance Metrics: Internal sources suggest Arteta’s bonuses are heavily weighted toward Champions League progression (reaching the Quarter-Finals or better) and maintaining a win percentage above 55%.
Eddie Howe: The "PSR-Friendly" Success
Eddie Howe remains one of the most protected managers in the league, despite the immense pressure that comes with Newcastle's ownership.
Job Security: Reports in early 2026 indicate that rival clubs (like Manchester United) would have to pay a staggering eight-figure compensation fee to lure Howe away from St. James' Park.
Bonus Triggers: His £6 million base salary is supplemented by "trajectory bonuses." These are triggered not just by silverware, but by Top 4 qualification and revenue growth (linked to Champions League participation), which provides the club more flexibility under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).Thomas Frank: The Tottenham Survival Clause
The most talked-about contract in London belongs to Thomas Frank. Following his move from Brentford, his £8 million annual salary at Spurs came with unique legal protections.
Termination Clauses: Financial experts suggest that if Tottenham were to sack Frank due to their current 14th-place standing, it would cost the club approximately £8 million in compensation—effectively a full year's salary.
Incentives: Frank’s deal reportedly includes a massive "rebuild bonus" if he manages to secure European football despite the club's 17th-place finish the previous season.Comparison of Performance Incentives (2025/26)
| Manager | Primary Bonus Trigger | Estimated Bonus Value |
| Pep Guardiola | Treble/Champions League Win | £2M - £5M |
| Mikel Arteta | Premier League Title | £2.5M |
| Eddie Howe | Champions League Qualification | £1.5M |
| Thomas Frank | Top 6 Finish | £1M |