Watkins, Rodri Lead Top 10 Footballers With Biggest Wage Increases After Summer Transfers

By Dorcas Francis Koji

Several high-profile footballers have secured substantial increases in their weekly wages following transfers during the summer window, with moves to Saudi Arabia and some of Europe’s biggest clubs featuring prominently among the biggest pay rises.

According to figures reported by Planet Football on Thursday, Ollie Watkins recorded the largest reported increase after leaving Aston Villa for Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal.

The England striker, who spent six years in the Premier League with Villa, reportedly saw his weekly salary rise from £130,000 to £410,618 after signing a three-year contract with Al Hilal.

That represents a reported increase of £280,618 per week.

1. Ollie Watkins — £130,000 to £410,618

Increase: £280,618 per week

Watkins tops the list after reportedly more than tripling his weekly earnings following his move from Aston Villa to Al Hilal.

The striker is now said to earn £410,618 per week, compared with his reported £130,000 salary at Villa.

2. Rodri — £220,000 to £444,782

Increase: £224,782 per week

Rodri is reported to have secured the second-biggest wage increase after moving from Manchester City to Barcelona.

The Spain international’s reported weekly salary has risen from £220,000 to £444,782, making him Barcelona’s highest-paid player according to the figures.

The increase underlines the value placed on the midfielder, who has established himself as one of the leading players in his position.

3. Elliot Anderson — £40,000 to £250,000

Increase: £210,000 per week

Elliot Anderson has reportedly enjoyed a dramatic financial boost following his move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City.

The midfielder’s reported weekly wage has increased from £40,000 at Forest to £250,000 at City — more than six times his previous salary.

4. Crysencio Summerville — £45,000 to £234,709

Increase: £189,709 per week

Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville is another major beneficiary of a move to Saudi Arabia.

Following his reported transfer from West Ham to Al Hilal, Summerville’s weekly salary is said to have risen from £45,000 to £234,709.

His new reported earnings are almost five times his previous wage.

5. Enzo Fernandez — £180,000 to £350,000

Increase: £170,000 per week

Enzo Fernandez reportedly nearly doubled his weekly earnings after leaving Chelsea for Manchester City.

City are reported to have paid £125 million for the Argentina international, making him the club’s new record signing.

His weekly salary is reportedly increasing from £180,000 at Chelsea to £350,000 at City.

6. Gabriel Martinelli — £180,000 to £330,646

Increase: £150,646 per week

Gabriel Martinelli is reportedly set for a substantial wage increase following his reported move from Arsenal to Al Hilal.

Although the transfer had not been officially confirmed at the time of the reported figures, his new weekly earnings were estimated at approximately £330,646.

That would represent an increase of more than £150,000 every week.

7. Marco Palestra — £4,599 to £150,000

Increase: £145,401 per week

Marco Palestra has recorded one of the biggest percentage increases on the list.

The defender reportedly earned just £4,599 per week while at Atalanta and during his loan spell at Cagliari.

Following his reported move to Chelsea, his weekly salary is said to have jumped to £150,000.

8. Mateus Fernandes — £60,000 to £200,000

Increase: £140,000 per week

Mateus Fernandes has continued to benefit financially from successive transfers.

After reportedly earning £20,000 per week at Southampton, his salary increased to £60,000 following his move to West Ham.

His latest transfer has reportedly taken his weekly earnings to £200,000, giving him a £140,000 increase on his previous wage.

9. Francisco Trincao — £64,056 to £201,039

Increase: £136,983 per week

Francisco Trincao has also secured a significant pay rise following his reported move to Saudi Arabia.

The former Barcelona and Wolverhampton Wanderers winger reportedly left Sporting CP for Al Ahli, with his weekly salary rising from £64,056 to £201,039.

10. Bradley Barcola — £119,408 to £250,000

Increase: £130,592 per week

Bradley Barcola completes the top 10 after reportedly securing a major salary increase following his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Liverpool.

The France international was reportedly earning £119,408 per week at PSG but is now said to be on £250,000 per week at Liverpool.

That represents a reported increase of £130,592 every week.

The figures highlight the enormous financial impact that major transfers can have on players, with Saudi Arabian clubs and elite European sides continuing to offer highly lucrative contracts.

However, the reported salaries are estimates and may not represent the players’ officially disclosed contractual terms, as clubs generally do not publish detailed wage agreements.