Chelsea defender, Malang Saar, makes more money than star players, Cole Palmer and Thiago Silva, even though he rarely plays.
Since Todd Boehly bought Chelsea in 2022, he has spent over £1 billion on new players. His plan includes signing young players to long-term contracts with controlled wages.
Despite these efforts, Chelsea’s wage structure has some surprises.
According to Spotrac, Cole Palmer who scored 22 goals this season, earns £75,000 a week. This places him in the middle of the team’s wage list.
His yearly salary of £3.9 million is similar to other young players like Axel Disasi (£4.1 million), Benoit Badiashile (£4.7 million), and Nicolas Jackson (£3.4 million).
In contrast, Ben Chilwell, signed in 2020, earns £200,000 a week, or £10.4 million a year. Thiago Silva, considered Chelsea’s best defender, makes £5.7 million a year.
Meanwhile, Malang Saar who has played only eight league games since 2020 and none this season, is Chelsea’s ninth highest earner.
Saar’s potential move to Le Havre fell through in January, but he is likely to leave Chelsea this summer.
Raheem Sterling is the top earner at Chelsea with £325,000 a week (£16.9 million a year). He turned down a higher offer from Saudi Pro League last summer, but has seen less playing time this season, scoring only seven league goals. Chelsea might consider selling him to balance their finances.
Chelsea plans to adjust their wage bill by letting underperforming players go and giving Palmer a pay raise.
Reports suggest Palmer’s wages could double, and he might receive a goal bonus, making him one of the top earners at the club.
Conor Gallagher who has often captained the team, currently earns £50,000 a week (£2.6 million a year).
With his contract ending soon, he seeks a pay raise, but Chelsea might sell him to meet financial fair play rules.
