The highest paid player at all 24 EFL Championship sides in 2026/27 | OneFootball

Financial comparisons are likely to be made between some of the second tier's sides in 2026/27

The 2026/27 Championship season is approximately two-and-a-half months from getting underway, with the 24 clubs in the division and their respective fanbases set to learn of their individual 46-game schedules at the end of June.

Whilst many will have their eyes firmly fixed on the action at this summer's FIFA World Cup, the higher-ups of all Championship sides will no doubt be preparing a list of transfer targets for the summer window.

The upcoming window will also be the first where all 24 outfits have to bear in mind the newly-implemented Squad Cost Rules and Salary Cost Management, which limits all player and manager-related spending to a maximum of 85 percent of the income generated by any specific club.

Given the sides which have been promoted from League One, relegated from the Premier League or remain in the second tier for the upcoming campaign, the division's financial landscape is set to generate plenty of talking points.

With that said, based on ESTIMATED figures, Football League World have looked at who, currently, the highest-paid player(s) are at each club.

Birmingham City - Carlos Vicente

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Birmingham City are one of the EFL's most ambitious clubs at this moment in time, reflected by the majority of their spends in transfer windows under Tom Wagner's ownership.

After a 10th-placed finish, Chris Davies' side will hope to sustain a play-off push next season, and that could certainly be aided by a full pre-season at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park for £6.9m January addition and Spanish winger, Carlos Vicente.

The 27-year-old scored three and set up one goal in his first 17 second tier appearances, and is said to be the club's highest earner on £50,000 per week.

Blackburn Rovers - Todd Cantwell

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There have been several question marks over Todd Cantwell's immediate future, but the Blackburn Rovers captain is still said to be the highest earner at Ewood Park.

It was claimed in February by head of football operations, Rudy Gestede, that the playmaker and Balazs Toth were not interested in signing new contracts, with the 28-year-old's deal expiring in the summer of 2027.

According to ESTIMATED figures, he is currently collecting a weekly wage of £30,000 in East Lancashire.

Bolton Wanderers - John McAtee

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Bolton Wanderers are preparing for their first Championship season in seven years under Steven Schumacher, although despite the club's overall stature, some would argue they do not have the same financial muscle as many divisional rivals.

According to Salary Sport, the highest-paid player who will be permanently contracted to the Whites at the beginning of next season is John McAtee, on a figure of £10,000 per week.

That said, it remains to be seen how much gametime the 26-year-old will be afforded after making just 23 league appearances in 2025/26.

Bristol City - Sam Morsy / Luke McNally

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Egyptian midfielder, Sam Morsy and Irish defender, Luke McNally are said to be Bristol City's highest earners on a weekly figure of £20,000.

Morsy was signed on a six-month deal at the turn of the year, and is believed to be undergoing further talks over a potential extension following the appointment of Michael Skubala at Ashton Gate.

McNally, meanwhile, is under contract for a further two seasons in BS3.

Burnley - Kyle Walker

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The first newly-relegated side on this list comes in the form of Burnley, with former England right-back, Kyle Walker the outright top earner at Turf Moor with a reported salary of £75,000.

However, there are still large question marks over whether the six-time Premier League title winner will remain at the club despite previous comments.

The 36-year-old has continuously been linked with a return to boyhood club Sheffield United, but reports have since emerged claiming that the Blades could also struggle to match his financial demands.

Cardiff City - Calum Chambers

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Another former Three Lions international is believed to be Cardiff City's top earner in the form of experienced defender, Calum Chambers.

The 31-year-old was signed from Aston Villa two summers ago on a three-year contract, and has remained in South Wales to be a part of a promotion campaign which followed relegation to League One in his first season.

Based on ESTIMATED figures, Chambers takes home a weekly sum of £32,000.

Charlton Athletic - Thomas Kaminski

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Thomas Kaminski has endured a mixed first season at Charlton Athletic, but is still said to be the Addicks' highest-paid player at this moment in time.

The 33-year-old kept 11 clean sheets at The Valley in 37 appearances amid a hamstring injury in the campaign's final weeks, but still takes home a reported £20,000 per week wage from his SE7 employers.

Derby County - Carlton Morris

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Derby County's players could potentially be in line for an increase in salaries if Turki Alalshikh's reported investment goes through, but for now, Carlton Morris' ESTIMATED £25,000 per week wage is believed to be the highest at Pride Park.

The 30-year-old moved to the East Midlands on a free transfer following Luton Town's relegation, and his addition proved to be nothing short of shrewd despite a period of absence through injury and the club missing out on the play-offs.

In his first 31 league outings for the Rams, Morris netted 12 times.

Lincoln City - Adam Jackson

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Lincoln City are preparing for their first second tier season since 1961 under the joint-management of Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw.

The Imps rounded off their title-winning season in League One with a 29-game unbeaten streak against all the odds, and that belief is certainly showcased by their ESTIMATED pay figures.

It is claimed that the club's highest-paid permanent player right now is centre-back, Adam Jackson, who initially signed for the club back in August 2020.

Middlesbrough - Luke Ayling

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Middlesbrough will hope their first full season under Kim Hellberg is one which yields promotion after a dramatic end to the regular season and the subsequent play-off campaign.

The Teesside outfit will have spent 10 years outside the Premier League at the turn of 2027, but are still paying some strong ESTIMATED wage figures to their players.

At the top of said list, when it comes to permanently contracted players, is the experienced and versatile Luke Ayling, on a £30,000 per week number.