Ranked: The 15 most overpaid players in the Premier League heading into 2025

The Premier League is home to some of the best players in the world, but with great talent often comes eye-watering salaries. While some players consistently justify their enormous pay packets, others fall short of expectations.

From lack of form to persistent injuries, several high-profile stars have struggled to justify their earnings. Let’s take a closer look as we rank the 15 most overpaid players in the Premier League, with figures according to Spotrac.

The Portuguese midfielder arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers with high expectations, but has yet to fully deliver. While his technical skills are evident, he has struggled for consistency and a regular first-team spot under Pep Guardiola. Unless he steps up in 2025, he may soon find himself out the door at Manchester City.

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The Italian winger was once one of Europe's most sought-after talents. Though Liverpool did get him on a bargain transfer fee, he has struggled with injuries and "the intensity of the Premier League", according to coach Arne Slot. While undeniably talented, his £150,000 weekly salary feels steep for someone who doesn't look likely to become a key player.

The young centre-back's potential is undeniable, but injuries have limited Fofana's contributions since swapping Leicester for Chelsea. Earning £200,000 per week, he’ll need to overcome these fitness challenges to avoid being a financial burden.

Chelsea’s captain has the potential to be one of the best right-backs in the world, but injuries have severely limited his contributions for several years now. With a £250,000-a-week wage, fans are getting increasingly frustrated by his inability to stay fit. James’s talents are undeniable, but a salary of such a size demands consistent availability.

Maguire remains one of football’s most polarising figures. Despite improved performances in recent months, his £190,000-a-week wage still draws criticism. To shed the 'overpaid' label, he’ll need a standout 2025 - or a move away from Old Trafford.

A player of undoubted talent, the once Chelsea vice-captain has been hampered by frequent injuries, leaving fans frustrated at what they consider a wasted talent. With a £200,000 weekly pay, and now frozen out under new coach Enzo Maresca, the club are desperately searching for a new home for the left-back.

After a sensational 2022/23 campaign, Rashford’s form has dipped considerably, leaving fans questioning his astronomical salary. Despite his pace and evident goal-scoring ability, his inconsistency and attitude are increasingly becoming a concern - so much so that new Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim has left him out of a number of matchday squads. 2025 is definitely a make-or-break year for Rashford.

The German's return to the Premier League hasn’t been as fruitful as Tottenham fans would have hoped. Though he has shown flashes of his Leipzig form, his £165,000 per week is hard to justify when his composure in front of goal remains elusive.

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The Brazilian forward is known for his technical ability and work rate, but his finishing has often let him down in crucial moments. At £265,000 per week, Arsenal fans expect a more clinical striker who can start regularly and deliver consistently in big games. Arsenal’s title ambitions in 2025 hinge on players like him stepping up under pressure.

Grealish was a key part of Manchester City’s Treble-winning squad under Pep Guardiola, but his £300,000-a-week salary nonetheless feels disproportionate to his output. While his ball-carrying ability and creativity are top-class, his goal and assist numbers don’t reflect his price tag. Now, he must try to regain his place in the side from Jeremy Doku.

Casemiro arrived at Manchester United with a wealth of experience and trophies from his Real Madrid days, but after an excellent start, questions are increasingly being asked about his mobility and ability to keep up with the pace of the Premier League. To justify his mammoth salary, Casemiro will need to lead United’s midfield with the authority and consistency expected of a world-class player in 2025.

Once a key figure for both club and country, Sterling has experienced an enormous fall from grace since swapping Manchester City for Chelsea in 2022. With a weekly wage of £162,500, his inconsistent showings led him to be shipped out on loan to Arsenal this season where, so far, he has made little to no impact. Time is running out for Sterling to prove he still has something to offer at the highest level.

The Brazilian winger was reunited with his former coach at Ajax, Erik ten Hag, to bring creativity and flair to Manchester United's attack. But his output has been nothing short of disastrous. Having been signed for £82 million on £200,000 per week, to not even feature regularly in the first team has him down as one of the Premier League's worst-ever signings.

Once a standout at both Leeds and England, Phillips has struggled to replicate that form since moving to the Etihad. Injuries, limited opportunities and a severe drop-off in form across loans at West Ham and now Ipswich have only added to the scrutiny around his £150,000 weekly wage.

Mason Mount’s move to Manchester United in 2023 was met with excitement, but his start at Old Trafford has been underwhelming, to say the least. Long-term injury troubles, plus below-par performances when fit, also make him a contender for the Premier League's worst-ever signing.

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