Manchester City wages: Who is the best paid player at the Cityzens and everything you need to know about Man City's salary bill

Ederson, who was signed by Manchester City for one of the highest transfer fees ever paid for a goalkeeper, is the highest-paid among the club's first-team shot-stoppers. However, despite his prominent role, his salary is not among the top earners at the club, with players in other positions commanding significantly higher wages.

Veteran German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega is the second-highest paid goalkeeper at the club, while 39-year-old Scott Carson, a former England international, is even further behind on the wage bill.

No surprises here as John Stones, one of the first signings of the Guardiola era, is the highest-earning defender in the squad, and one of the only two defenders along with Josko Gvardiol to earn in double digit millions annually.

Shockingly, though, Ruben Dias is the joint third-highest earner as far as defenders go in the squad along with Manuel Akanji. Given the Portuguese centre-back's stature as a leader and their best defender, it's safe to say that City fans won't be too pleased to find out that he isn't on the top of the defenders' wage bill.

Captain Kyle Walker ranks next in salary, though there is little distinction between his earnings and those of Dias and Akanji. Following Walker is Dutch defender Nathan Ake, with the list rounded out by academy graduates Rico Lewis and Josh Wilson-Esbrand.

No surprises in midfield either. Club legend Kevin De Bruyne is on the final year of his contract and if he doesn't extend, he'll go out as one of the highest-earning players in the squad.

Bernardo Silva is the next best earning midfielder in the squad, and deservingly so. The Portuguese signed a new deal last year amid exit rumours, and is tied to the club until 2026.

Ilkay Gundogan returned to Manchester City after a one-year stint at Barcelona last summer, and it may come as a surprise that he earns more than key players like Phil Foden and Rodri — who was named the 2023-24 Premier League Player of the Season and the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, respectively.

Erling Haaland is the absolute top earner up front after signing a new nine-year deal.

Meanwhile, Jack Grealish, the most expensive City signing of all-time, is the second-highest earning forward and one of the squad's best-paid players, with new arrival Omar Marmoush in third place.

The young trio of Jeremy Doku, Oscar Bobb, and Savinho are not earning half as much as the aforementioned duo, but are still fairly compensated given that none of them have nailed down a spot in the XI just yet.

It’s likely clear to the discerning reader, but the above lists confirm that Haaland is by far the highest-paid player in the City squad, with De Bruyne next in line.

Grealish, Silva, and Marmoush round out the top five.

We don't necessarily have to feel sorry for Wilson-Esbrand, but the 21-year-old defender is the lowest-paid player in Man City's first team with a gross annual salary of £364,000.

Academy starlets Lewis and McAtee are also among the lowest-paid figures in City.

But what does that mean for the overall picture? In which area of the pitch are Manchester City spending the most money, and how much do they spend annually on salaries for the first team?

The Man City midfield is the largest expense item and ensures that the total amount exceeds £86m.