Premier League footballers are among the highest-paid athletes globally, but some players are still regarded as underpaid when their wages are compared with their performances, influence and market value.
A ranking based on reported salary figures from Capology has identified 11 Premier League stars whose earnings are believed to be significantly lower than what their contributions on the pitch suggest.
Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen tops the list of undervalued players. The Netherlands international reportedly earns £35,000 per week despite becoming one of the league’s most dependable goalkeepers and attracting interest from several Champions League clubs.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence is also included, with his reported weekly wage of £40,000 considered low compared with his impressive development and growing reputation as a versatile full-back.
Brentford have the highest number of representatives on the list, with three players featuring. Defenders Sepp van den Berg (£20,000 per week) and Nathan Collins (£30,000 per week) have played key roles in the club’s defence, while winger Kevin Schade, who reportedly earns £10,000 weekly, is the lowest-paid player on the ranking despite making valuable attacking contributions.
Manchester City midfielder Nico O’Reilly also made the list after enjoying a breakthrough season that established him as one of the Premier League’s promising young talents. The 21-year-old reportedly earns £30,000 per week, although expectations are that his salary will increase when he signs a new contract.
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is another notable inclusion. The Cameroon international, widely considered one of the division’s leading defensive midfielders, reportedly earns only £12,500 per week.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton also features, with his reported £35,000 weekly salary appearing modest given his rising profile.
Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye, who earns an estimated £45,000 per week, is recognised as one of the club’s key attacking players, while Bournemouth youngster Eli Junior Kroupi (£20,000) and Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor (£25,000) complete the list after impressive breakthrough campaigns.
Full list of the 11 most underpaid Premier League players, according to Planet Football:
- Bart Verbruggen (Brighton) – £35,000 per week
- Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur) – £40,000 per week
- Sepp van den Berg (Brentford) – £20,000 per week
- Nathan Collins (Brentford) – £30,000 per week
- Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City) – £30,000 per week
- Carlos Baleba (Brighton) – £12,500 per week
- Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) – £35,000 per week
- Kevin Schade (Brentford) – £10,000 per week
- Iliman Ndiaye (Everton) – £45,000 per week
- Eli Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth) – £20,000 per week
- Wilson Isidor (Sunderland) – £25,000 per week
Although these players earn salaries far beyond what most people could imagine, they are viewed as some of the Premier League’s biggest bargains, with their performances and potential transfer value exceeding their reported wages.