The English Premier League is not just the playground for million-pound players; its managers are also raking in astronomical salaries, with annual contracts reaching well into the tens of millions.
Following significant shake-ups and the departures of managerial heavyweights like Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot, the landscape of top-tier salaries has seen some seismic shifts, introducing a few surprising names into the mix.
Top 10 highest-paid managers in the Premier League
=10. Frank Lampard (Coventry) — around £5 million
Lampard's new agreement ensures a salary nearly three times that of the highest-paid player at his club. However, the early results in the Premier League have raised eyebrows, with experts wondering if the board may have overpaid for his services.
=10. David Moyes (Everton) — £5 million
As Everton teetered on the brink of relegation, Moyes managed to secure a hefty contract upon his return to the club. The Scot has fully earned his keep by steering the team away from the relegation battle and into mid-table security. The pressing question now is whether he can guide them to the next level.
9. Matthias Jaissle (Newcastle United) — £6 million
Having earned significantly more at Saudi side Al-Ahli, Jaissle agreed to stick to the financial terms of his predecessor, Eddie Howe, with a base salary of £6 million a year, plus potential bonuses.
8. Michael Carrick (Manchester United) — £6.5 million
Carrick was initially seen as a budget-friendly option for the Red Devils, prompting the hierarchy to offer him a full contract following a successful run of results. Nonetheless, the discrepancy in pay compared to Nottingham Forest's manager has sparked debate among fans and analysts.
7. Unai Emery (Aston Villa) — £9.5 million
Reflecting on Aston Villa's position when Emery took over back in October 2022, it’s clear the Spaniard has lived up to his £9.5 million salary. From relegation battlers, the club has morphed into regular contenders for the Champions League, even lifting silverware. However, financial regulations are a limiting factor that could hinder even further progress.
6. Andoni Iraola (Liverpool) — £10 million
Securing a significant salary at Anfield, Iraola earns more than his predecessor, Arne Slot, and well above what he made during his time at Bournemouth.
=4. Roberto De Zerbi (Tottenham Hotspur) — £12 million
The crisis situation pushed Spurs into a vulnerable negotiating stance, which De Zerbi capitalised on. The £12 million annual deal for five years might seem lavish, but it’s justified if it saves the club from relegation. However, the Italian has a reputation for moving on quickly, posing a potential risk of costly compensation payments down the line.
=4. Enzo Maresca (Manchester City) — £12 million
While Guardiola’s exit freed up City’s budget after his league-high £20 million salary, Maresca's deal is lucrative yet more modest by elite standards on the Etihad.
=2. Xabi Alonso (Chelsea) — £13 million
Liverpool's indecision worked in Chelsea's favour as Alonso made the move to Stamford Bridge. His role as a full manager rather than simply a head coach underlines a shift in strategy from the club’s owners, led by Todd Boehly. His £13 million salary surpasses that of Iraola at Liverpool.
=2. Oliver Glasner (Nottingham Forest) — £13 million
After an impressive couple of seasons at Crystal Palace, Glasner was linked with top European clubs but surprisingly became Forest's fifth manager in just one year. To lure such a high-profile coach after last year’s turmoil, the hierarchy had to part with a staggering £13 million annually.
1. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) — £20 million
In the wake of Guardiola's departure, Arteta has ascended to the pinnacle of managerial salaries in English football. His previous deal netted him £10 million with an additional £5 million bonus for securing Champions League qualification, but his new long-term contract launches his pay to a jaw-dropping £20 million a year. This figure is a deserved recognition of the transformation he has brought to the club, having taken over a dysfunctional team in December 2019, expelled problematic stars, and built one of the most formidable defences in world football.
