Chelsea top earners: A breakdown of five players with the highest weekly wages

Since Chelsea‘s takeover, first under Roman Abramovich and now in the Todd Boehly era, the Blues have rarely been shy about spending. However, balancing the books remains crucial for the long-term health of the club, especially given the squad’s substantial wage commitments.

Chelsea’s inflated squad size makes them one of the Premier League’s biggest spenders in terms of wages.

Here, we look at the five highest-paid Chelsea players, according to data from Capology.

Reece James (£250,000 per week)

Reece James is Chelsea’s highest-paid player, earning a staggering £250,000 per week, which translates to an annual salary of £13,000,000. He does not receive bonuses in his current contract.

Widely regarded as one of the best full-backs in the world, James is highly respected at Chelsea and has even captained the club. His dual abilities in attack and defence make him a rare talent in modern football.

However, his career has been hampered by persistent injuries, limiting his contributions on the pitch. Despite his immense talent, Chelsea’s reliance on James often feels undermined by his frequent stints on the treatment table.

Reece James is under contract with Chelsea until June 30, 2028.

Ben Chilwell (£200,000 per week)

Chilwell is Chelsea’s second-highest earner, with a weekly wage of £200,000, amounting to an annual income of £10,400,000. Like James, he does not receive bonuses.

Signed from Leicester City in 2020, Chilwell has had mixed fortunes at Stamford Bridge. He became a first-team regular when fit and played a key role in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph.

However, since Enzo Maresca was appointed manager, Chilwell has struggled for consistent game time, often finding himself sidelined. With his contract set to expire in June 2027, the hope is that Chilwell can regain his place and justify Chelsea’s investment.

Wesley Fofana (£200,000 per week)

Earning the same as Chilwell, Wesley Fofana takes home £200,000 weekly, equating to £10,400,000 annually. Bonuses are not part of his current deal.

Since joining Chelsea in 2022, Fofana has shown glimpses of his potential but struggled with consistency due to limited opportunities in his early seasons. Under Enzo Maresca, he has become a regular starter, showcasing his confidence in the ball and ability to contribute offensively from the defence.

Fofana is tied to Chelsea until June 2029, ensuring a long-term role in the club’s plans.

Christopher Nkunku (£195,000 per week)

Nkunku earns £195,000 weekly, totalling £10,140,000 annually, with no bonuses in his Chelsea contract.

Joining the club in the summer of 2023 from RB Leipzig, Nkunku’s debut season was marred by injuries. Now settling under Enzo Maresca, he is starting to display the skills that made him a standout talent in Germany, particularly his dribbling and ability to capitalize on loose balls in attacking areas. Nkunku’s contract with Chelsea runs until June 2029.

Enzo Fernandez (£180,000 per week)

Rounding out the top five earners is Enzo Fernandez, who takes home £180,000 per week, equating to £9,360,000 annually. He does not currently receive bonuses.

Signed during Chelsea’s spending spree in 2023, Fernandez quickly established himself as one of the club’s standout performers. Playing in a deep midfield role, his energy, tackling, and leadership qualities have made him indispensable to the team.

Fernandez’s long-term contract runs until June 2032, securing his future at Stamford Bridge for years to come.

These five players are among Chelsea’s best-paid talents, reflecting the club’s ambition to build a competitive squad. While their contributions vary, the expectation remains high for each of them to deliver on the club’s significant investment.