The inner financial workings of Aston Villa's squad have been laid bare by the latest data from the popular football simulation game, Football Manager 26. The estimates provide a fascinating glimpse into the wage structure at one of the Premier League's most ambitious clubs, highlighting the significant investment required to compete at the highest level.
Villa's Financial Firepower
Aston Villa now boasts the seventh-largest wage budget in English football, according to industry data from Capology. This places them behind only the traditional 'Big Six' of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City. This substantial financial commitment has been pivotal in the club's remarkable resurgence under manager Unai Emery, which has seen them reach the Champions League quarter-finals, an FA Cup semi-final, and secure European qualification for three consecutive seasons.
The Top Earners at Villa Park
According to the FM26 estimates, the highest-paid player at the club is Jadon Sancho, who earns a staggering £275,000 per week. The 23-time England international, currently on loan from Manchester United, has struggled to recapture his best form in recent years. Villa are believed to be covering a portion of his significant wages, though he has seen limited starting action since his arrival.
In second place is World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, with a reported weekly salary of £160,000. His status as one of the world's elite shot-stoppers is reflected in this substantial figure. He is closely followed by midfielders Youri Tielemans (£155,000 p/w) and Boubacar Kamara (£150,000 p/w), underscoring the value placed on quality in the engine room.
Perhaps the most notable name for Villa fans is star striker Ollie Watkins. Despite being the club's top scorer in every season since his signing, he is listed as a joint-sixth highest earner on a reported £130,000 per week. This places him on the same wage as defenders Pau Torres and Donyell Malen, and just above captain John McGinn (£115,000 p/w).
Complete Breakdown of Villa Salaries
Here is the full list of estimated weekly wages for the Aston Villa squad, as per Football Manager 26's data:
- Jadon Sancho – £275K p/w
- Emiliano Martinez – £160K p/w
- Youri Tielemans – £155K p/w
- Boubacar Kamara – £150K p/w
- Lucas Digne – £135K p/w
- Pau Torres – £130K p/w
- Donyell Malen – £130K p/w
- Ollie Watkins – £130K p/w
- John McGinn – £115K p/w
- Morgan Rogers – £115K p/w
- Amadou Onana – £110K p/w
- Ezri Konsa – £105K p/w
- Tyrone Mings – £105K p/w
- Evan Guessaud – £105K p/w
- Ross Barkley – £90K p/w
- Ian Maatsen – £85K p/w
- Victor Lindelöf – £85K p/w
- Harvey Elliott – £85K p/w
- Matty Cash – £80K p/w
- Emiliano Buendia – £80K p/w
- Andrés García – £50K p/w
- Marco Bizot – £35K p/w
This detailed financial picture illustrates the heavy investment Aston Villa's owners are making to establish the club as a consistent force in European football, with a wage bill that now reflects their lofty ambitions.
