A new list of Chelsea’s top earners has been revealed, and the top three names are sparking plenty of debate among supporters.
Since taking over, Chelsea’s owners have worked hard to bring the club’s wage bill under control — a key part of their long-term strategy. They’ve shifted on a number of big earners over the past two seasons and introduced stricter, performance-related contracts for new arrivals. While there is still work to be done, Chelsea’s wage bill is now one of the most sustainable among the Premier League’s top clubs.
Sterling Leads the Way
According to Transfermarkt, Raheem Sterling is Chelsea’s highest-paid player — one of the key reasons he has stayed put this summer despite significant interest. Reports earlier in the window suggested as many as five clubs explored a deal for the 30-year-old winger, but none were able to match his current salary.
As a result, Sterling has been left in Chelsea’s so-called “bomb squad,” training away from the first team as the club look for a solution in January.
Reece James & Wesley Fofana Follow
Club captain Reece James comes in as Chelsea’s second-highest earner — a salary most fans would agree is well-deserved despite his injury struggles. However, the third name on the list has raised a few eyebrows: Wesley Fofana.
The centre-back arrived from Leicester City for £70m in 2022 but has spent the majority of his Chelsea career sidelined through injury. His spot among the club’s top earners has sparked conversation about value for money, especially given his limited appearances.
Other Notable Salaries
Moises Caicedo, the club’s £115m record signing, is reportedly much further down the list than expected, though there is a belief that a wage increase could be on the cards in the near future. Another surprising inclusion is goalkeeper Robert Sánchez, whose salary is lower than many anticipated considering he has been Chelsea’s number one for much of the past year.
Interestingly, Axel Disasi was missing from the reported list despite remaining a Chelsea player. The French defender has been heavily linked with a late-window move, which could explain his absence.
Wage Bill Under Control
Overall, Chelsea’s efforts to streamline their wage structure are paying off. By tying younger players down to long-term contracts on reasonable terms and moving away from the high-wage deals of the past, the club are setting themselves up for greater financial flexibility in the coming seasons.
