Survey shows increase in wages
The salaries of players in the Barclays Premiership have climbed by 65% since 2000 to an all-time high, a new survey reveals.
The average player in the top flight now earns £676,000 (€970,100) basic pay, which represents a rise from the approximate £410,000 (€588,300) clubs paid their stars six years ago.
The survey, conducted by The Independent and the Professional Footballers’ Association, reveals strikers are the best-paid players in the Premiership on an average £806,000 (€1.2m), with goalkeepers the relative paupers on an annual £533,000 (€764.7m).
Bonuses vary and are on top of the basic salaries.
Almost 400 players across the spectrum of Premiership and Football League participated in the survey, which also uncovered details of earnings in the lower leagues.
Championship stars received an average of £195,750 (€280,900, up 53%), League One players earned £67,850 (€97,400, up 24%) and League Two footballers were paid £49,600 (€71,200, up 28%).
The study reveals how Premiership players typically reach their earnings peak between the ages of 27 and 28.
That age group sees earnings of £899,500 (€1.3m) on average, falling to £586,000 (€841,000) for the 31-to-32 age group.
Premiership youngsters do not earn nearly as much. According to the survey, 17-to-18-year-olds pocket £24,500 (€35,200), rising to £95,500 (€137,100) for 19-to-20-year-olds.
