You know what they say: money does, in fact, make the world go around. Not only in day-to-day life, but also in the ever-flourishing world of professional football. The best players on the planet receive eye-watering amounts to represent the biggest clubs around, with figures reaching a ridiculous level.

The emergence of wealthy divisions such as the Saudi Pro League hasn’t just provided generational wealth, but an alternative to the superpower of the Premier League. In years gone by, the English top-flight was the end goal for almost all British footballers, but that isn’t necessarily the case in 2026.

Some of the finest players to come from the United Kingdom have decided to take the leap and move abroad to forge a different career for themselves rather than fighting for a fair crack at the whip in England. So, who are the top earners among those British stars who have taken this step? Find out below.

11

Jobe Bellingham

£77,482-per-week

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Although Jobe Bellingham was keen to forge a career of his own and not follow in the footsteps of his brother, Jude, he chose to join his sibling’s former club, Borussia Dortmund, after a brilliant stint in the Championship with Sunderland. The youngster put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal worth a cool £77,482-per-week.

While it’s fair to say Bellingham isn’t as talented as his brother, at 20 years old, he still has the world at his feet. That said, the midfielder failed to score a single goal for his club in his debut campaign. He’ll be hoping to add more goals to his game in the coming seasons.

10

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

£84,213-per-week

REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo

Chelsea’s youth academy has been renowned for consistently producing gems over the past 20 years. Midfield general Ruben Loftus-Cheek looked to be the next big star to emerge from the west London outfit, breaking into the first-team as a teenager.

However, despite playing a squad player role in a Premier League success, the Englishman decided to move to Italy in search of more game time and responsibility. The 30-year-old is a reliable and versatile player who can play anywhere in the engine room, although the Rossoneri haven’t been at their best since his arrival on his £84,213-per-week salary in 2023.

9

Scott McTominay

£91,271-per-week

REUTERS/Ciro De Luca

Manchester United supporters initially thought it was the right time for Scott McTominay to seal a move away from Old Trafford after failing to cement a place as a regular starter in Erik ten Hag’s side. After coming through the youth ranks at the club, the Scotland international was snapped up by Antonio Conte’s Napoli.

While some may have raised an eyebrow at the likes of McTominay and Billy Gilmour moving to the Italian top-flight, the Scottish pair played a big part in the Naples-based outfit’s 2024/25 title charge against Champions League finalists Inter Milan, which they ultimately won in terrific fashion. McTominay, as expected, was critical.

8

Josh Brownhill

£100,464-per-week

Perhaps the most surprising name on this list, Josh Brownhill is among the 10 highest-paid British footballers playing abroad, earning more than the likes of McTominay and Loftus-Cheek. That is despite him never featuring for England at any level.

In the 2024/25 season, the Warrington born midfielder was influential as Burnley secured their place back in the Premier League. Burnley’s captain scored 18 times as the club amassed 100 points. The Clarets were desperate for their talisman to stay, but Brownhill had other plans. He rejected their contract offer and moved to Saudi Arabia, signing a deal worth just over £100,000-per-week with Al Shabab Club.

7

John Stones

£121,641-per-week

REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

John Stones’ highly successful 10-year stint at Manchester City came to an end in the summer of 2026. The Englishman made 295 appearances across his spell, but, after suffering from numerous injuries in recent years, both parties decided that it was best for him to move on and search for pastures new.

Stones showed the world what he could do at the 2026 World Cup as he starred in England’s run to the semi-finals. His performances attracted the attention of Italian giants Inter Milan, and the Barnsley-born defender decided to sign a £121,641-per-week deal with the 21-time Italy champions.

6

Mason Greenwood

£164,157-per-week

REUTERS/Alexandre Dimou

Whatever you think of Mason Greenwood, there is no denying that he is a superb footballer. His exploits at Marseille, where he hit the back of the net 48 times across two seasons, convinced Fenerbahce to splash out €45 million on his services in the summer of 2026. He signed a four-year deal worth just over £160,000-per-week.

Had it not been for his off-the-field issues, he would almost certainly still be playing in the Premier League, and also for England. However, it is highly unlikely that he will ever represent the nation of his birth again, and there has been heavy speculation that he will change his allegiance to Jamaica.

5

Anthony Gordon

£196,989-per-week

REUTERS/Albert Gea

There was somewhat of a mass exodus from Newcastle United in the summer of 2026, and Anthony Gordon’s departure for Barcelona kicked the outgoings off. Despite having the option to sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal for just €30m, Barca decided against that and instead signed England star Gordon in a €80m deal.

The English winger, who has pace to burn and energy in abundance while also having an eye for goal, signed a five-year deal worth £196,989-per-week. He’ll be looking to follow in the footsteps of Gary Lineker and become an icon for the club.

4

Trent Alexander-Arnold

£273,650-per-week

Lee Smith via Reuters

Trent Alexander-Arnold – widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in world football – finally swapped England for Spain after long-standing interest from Los Blancos and his first unveiling was mightily impressive as he spoke fluent Spanish.

Although he technically signed on a free transfer, the club paid a fee of €10 million to have him arrive ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, and handed him a huge £273,650-per-week contract. Despite flashes of brilliance, his talent hasn’t quite transcended into Spanish football, and whether he will ever thrive at the Spanish giants remains to be seen.

3

Jude Bellingham

£341,940-per-week

REUTERS/Kacper Pempel

Jude Bellingham could well be the biggest star England boast, with the Real Madrid superstar central to anything his club or country do. Since he arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, the 23-year-old has been nothing short of sensational.

He’s among the top earners in La Liga along with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, which is incredible company to be in at such a young age. He hasn’t yet experienced Premier League football, but English fans will hope someone can fork out enough to tempt him away from his near £342,000-per-week wage in Spain eventually.

2

Harry Kane

£410,393-per-week

England’s Harry Kane looks worried via REUTERS/Peter Cziborra

Harry Kane is England’s best striker and the nation’s top goalscorer of all time. Despite this, he isn’t the highest-paid English player in the world right now. Still, bringing home just north of £400,000 every seven days isn’t something to complain about.

The former Tottenham Hotspur hero earns his money by consistently doing the hardest thing in the game, putting the ball in the back of the net. Kane has 146 Bayern Munich goals in only 147 appearances for the Bavarian outfit, as he continues to prove exactly why he’s commonly admired as one of the best strikers on the planet.

The biggest party of the summer is upon us as SummerSlam takes over Minneapolis this weekend at the U.S. Bank Stadium over the next two nights.

Following on from last year’s success of a two-night SummerSlam, and the success of WrestleMania taking place over two nights, WWE have once again decided to make their summer spectacle a Saturday and Sunday night affair, with six matches taking place on both nights, and it all gets underway TONIGHT!

With some huge matches on the card, including Roman Reigns vs Seth Rollins, CM Punk vs Cody Rhodes, and Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi, a potential bigger talking point could emerge from the weekend after reports have revealed who has been spotted in Minneapolis ahead of the Premium Live Event.

WWE SummerSlam Night 1

Screenshot via Netflix

Tonight, the 1st of August, is going to be main evented by CM Punk putting his Undisputed Championship on the line against Rhodes, in a friendship that has turned sour in recent weeks. In another title match, Liv Morgan will be defending her Women’s World Championshio against IYO SKY.

Elsewhere, Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi will finally settle the score in a trilogy match inside Hell of a Cell, with the two heading into the PLE with one win apiece, and Nick Aldis will be making his WWE in-ring debut against Gunther.

The final two matches of the night are both six-person tag team matches, with LA Knight, Solo Sikoa, and Royce Keys taking on Jacob Fatu and The Usos, while The Bella Twins are teaming up with Paige to take on Fatal Influence.

WWE SummerSlam Night 2

Screenshot via Netflix

Once the dust has settled on Saturday night’s action, all eyes will turn to Sunday, which will be headlined by Roman Reigns defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Seth Rollins.

Two more belts are also on the line on Sunday, with Penta putting his Intercontinental Championship on the line against Chad Gable, and Trick Williams defending his United States Championship against the returning Baron Corbin.

The final three matches on Sunday night see Sami Zayn take on Finn Balor in a #1 contender match for the Undisputed WWE Championship, Danhausen take on Dominik Mysterio in a Human Monies on a Pole match, and a five-way ladder match to determine the interim WWE Women’s Championship.

However, it’s none of the scheduled matches that have got people talking ahead of the event.

Huge Return Possibly Happening

Given it’s the biggest party of the summer, and arguably WWE’s second-biggest Premium Live Event of the year, they surely have some form of surprise up their sleeve?

Well, according to a report from Fightful Select, as per ewrestlingnews, it could be a surprise return taking place with none other than Kevin Owens spotted in Minneapolis ahead of the show.

Owens has been out of action for well over a year after suffering a serious neck injury which has kept him off WWE television for an extended period of time. However, with him spotted in the area, it’s likely he’ll be making some form of return this weekend.

As of writing this article, there’s no indication whether Owens will be used over the weekend, but it’s certainly got fans talking ahead of the big showcase.

Arsenal are said to be willing to make ‘an exception’ to sign Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr this summer. The Gunners are hoping to kick on with their summer transfer business over the coming weeks, having been quiet when it comes to significant dealings so far.

Mikel Arteta is hoping to land Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes to tick a big box in midfield, with a new number 8 one of two clear transfer priorities this summer. Arsenal are said to be chasing a deal worth around £70million, while the deal could be worth up to £80million when all is said and done.

Arsenal are in need of clear upgrades in midfield and on the left side of their attack, and they know those players are going to cost them big money, with the winger signing likely to take up the lion’s share of this summer’s spending.

Arsenal now willing to make salary ‘exception’ to sign Vinicius Jr

Arsenal have been working behind the scenes for ‘months’ in a bid to set up a deal to sign Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. Vinicius is currently in a contract standoff with Real Madrid, with his current deal set to expire after the coming campaign.

The Athletic have released a detailed report on the situation after investigating the situation, and they claim Vinicius is demanding close to €30million per season, inclusive of bonuses, while Real Madrid are offering €20million, which has been rejected, and talks are ongoing.

It’s claimed Vinicius is asking for a contract renewal bonus, which is something Real Madrid have never paid before. The winger’s representatives reportedly claim the bonus is the only way to make up the salary difference due to Real Madrid not wanting to go further above the LaLiga salary cap.

Talks are ongoing, but according to the David Ornstein report, Arsenal are going ‘all in’ to make sure Vinicius has the option of joining them, should he not sign a new deal at the Bernabeu. In fact, the Gunners are willing to make an ‘exception’ to their salary structure, even wiling to discuss image rights and a giant signing fee. The Brazilian would be by far the club’s highest-paid player should he sign.

Decision time looming for Vinicius Jr

Danilo Fernandez / Fotoarena/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect

With the new season just around the corner, Vinicus is going to have to make up his mind soon, especially with Real Madrid contract talks progressing so slowly, if at all. He now has the choice of signing a new deal with Real Madrid’s best offer, joining Arsenal, which is said to be an appealing option to him, or playing out the final years of his contract.

In the latter circumstance, Vinicius would be able to leave Real Madrid for free next summer and likely command a giant new contract elsewhere, or there is always the possibility that Los Blancos make an improved offer between now and then. Vinicius is happy at Real Madrid in general, but as one of the best players in the world, he wants to maximise his financial potential.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are doing all they can to be the next best option should he leave the Bernabeu, and according to the report, sources close to Arteta say the Gunners boss is a huge fan of the Brazilian.