Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
In a league where the world’s biggest football stars earn hundreds of thousands of pounds every week, not every standout performer enjoys a salary that reflects their impact on the pitch. While the Premier League remains the richest football competition globally, several players continue to deliver exceptional performances despite earning comparatively modest wages.
A new report by football publication Planet Football, based on salary figures from Capology, has identified the Premier League’s 11 most underpaid players for the 2026/27 season. The list highlights footballers whose current wages fall well below what many observers believe their performances, consistency and market value deserve.
Although “underpaid” is a relative term in elite football, the report argues that these players represent remarkable value for their clubs when compared with teammates and rivals earning significantly higher salaries.
Brighton’s Verbruggen leads the list
Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen tops the rankings after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most dependable shot-stoppers.
The Dutch international reportedly earns £35,000 per week, a figure considered surprisingly low for a goalkeeper who has become Brighton’s undisputed first choice and an established member of the Netherlands national team. With Europe’s elite clubs reportedly monitoring his progress, many believe a lucrative contract extension could soon follow.
Tottenham’s Spence rewarded with recognition
Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence also features prominently after enjoying a significant rise in form over recent seasons.
Despite becoming an important figure for both club and country, the full-back reportedly earns £40,000 weekly, considerably less than many players occupying similar roles at England’s biggest clubs.
Brentford dominate the rankings
No club has more representatives than Brentford, underlining the club’s reputation for identifying quality players on relatively modest salaries.
Central defender Sepp van den Berg reportedly earns £20,000 per week, while club captain Nathan Collins receives around £30,000 weekly despite establishing himself among the league’s most consistent defenders.
German winger Kevin Schade completes Brentford’s trio. His reported wage of just £10,000 per week makes him the lowest-paid player in the entire ranking despite his growing influence in the club’s attack.
Manchester City’s emerging star
Young Manchester City midfielder Nico O’Reilly has rapidly become one of England’s brightest prospects.
Following his breakthrough season, the 21-year-old reportedly earns £30,000 each week—a salary expected to increase significantly when the Premier League champions review his contract.
Baleba among the biggest bargains
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is perhaps one of the most surprising names on the list.
Widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s best defensive midfielders, the Cameroon international reportedly earns just £12,500 per week, making him one of the division’s greatest bargains considering his influence and transfer value.
Wharton continues rapid rise
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has quickly become one of England’s most exciting young talents.
His reported weekly salary of £35,000 appears modest given his importance to Palace and growing reputation among Europe’s leading clubs.
Everton, Bournemouth and Sunderland represented
Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye earns an estimated £45,000 per week, making him one of the higher earners on the list while still being viewed as undervalued relative to his performances.
Bournemouth youngster Eli Junior Kroupi reportedly receives £20,000 weekly, reflecting his age more than his growing reputation after an impressive breakthrough campaign.
Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor, another player whose stock has risen sharply, reportedly earns £25,000 per week, despite playing a crucial role for the newly promoted club.
Why the list matters
The report illustrates that football wages do not always keep pace with player development. Many clubs negotiate long-term contracts with promising youngsters before they establish themselves at the highest level. As those players improve rapidly, their salaries can remain relatively low until fresh contract negotiations take place.
For clubs operating outside the Premier League’s traditional financial powerhouses, retaining talented players on affordable contracts provides a significant competitive advantage. However, sustained performances often attract interest from wealthier clubs willing to offer substantially higher wages.
With another transfer window underway, several players on the list could soon negotiate improved deals or become transfer targets for Europe’s elite.
Full list of the 11 most underpaid Premier League players
- 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
While Premier League salaries remain among the highest in world football, these players demonstrate that exceptional value can still be found outside the league’s biggest pay packets. As they continue to impress, many are expected to secure significantly improved contracts in the near future.
Sources: Planet Football, Capology, Punch Sports.
Tags: Premier League, Bart Verbruggen, Nico O’Reilly, Brentford, Football Salaries
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