Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush has been included in a controversial line-up highlighting Premier League players whose salaries have been judged to outweigh their recent contributions on the pitch.
The selection, compiled by the website Planet Football, identifies players across every position who receive some of the league’s highest wages but, according to the report, have not produced performances that justify their earnings.
The report argues that while many of the players possess proven quality or impressive career achievements, factors including injuries, inconsistent form and reduced playing time have limited their impact. As a result, their salaries have become a frequent topic of debate among supporters and the media.
Marmoush is among the most notable names in the team after reportedly becoming the seventh highest-paid player in the Premier League. Despite the Egypt international’s recognised ability, the report claims his opportunities have been restricted by competition for places at Manchester City.
Marmoush leads the attack
The Egyptian forward features in the attacking trio selected by the report.
According to the assessment, Marmoush started only eight Premier League matches for Manchester City last season, with Norwegian striker Erling Haaland remaining the club’s preferred attacking option.
The report argues that a player earning £295,000 per week while spending much of the campaign outside the starting line-up represents poor value relative to his contribution on the field.
Despite acknowledging Marmoush’s talent, the report concludes that his salary has exceeded his overall influence during the season.
Joining him in attack are Jack Grealish and Gabriel Jesus.
Grealish, who played a significant role in Manchester City’s historic treble-winning campaign in 2023, is said to have experienced a notable decline in his attacking output. Although recognised for his dribbling ability and creativity, the report argues that his weekly wage of £300,000 appears difficult to justify given his reduced importance and subsequent loan move to Everton last season.
Gabriel Jesus completes the forward line after scoring only 10 Premier League goals over the past three seasons. While the Brazilian’s technical qualities are recognised, recurring injuries and a decline in his goalscoring record have led to criticism of his reported £265,000 weekly salary.
Goalkeeper and defence dominated by injury concerns
Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is selected between the posts.
The Georgian international reportedly earns £85,000 per week but was unable to establish himself as Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper during his debut season, remaining behind Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker except when injury ruled the latter out.
The defensive line features Arsenal’s Ben White, Chelsea pair Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo, and Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw.
White, who earns £150,000 per week according to the report, was a key figure after moving to right-back in 2022. However, his influence is said to have diminished in recent seasons, with only 12 league appearances last term leaving him more heavily involved in the club’s rotation policy.
Fofana’s inclusion reflects the impact of repeated injuries since joining Chelsea from Leicester City. Despite his reputation as one of England’s most promising defenders, the Frenchman reportedly played only 25 league matches last season while earning £200,000 per week.
Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo also makes the team, with the report questioning whether his £120,000 weekly wage reflects his standing among the league’s defenders.
Luke Shaw’s recurring injury problems are highlighted as the reason for his selection. The Manchester United defender reportedly earns £150,000 each week, and the report suggests the club could seek to reduce those terms if he signs a future contract extension.
Midfield selections reflect limited impact
The midfield includes Kalvin Phillips, Tijani Raynders and Conor Gallagher.
Phillips has struggled for playing time since joining Manchester City in the summer of 2022. According to the report, he has started only two Premier League matches during that period while earning nearly £25 million in wages, with his contract running until the summer of 2028.
Dutch midfielder Tijani Raynders is also included after what the report describes as an underwhelming first season at Manchester City. Although he made a positive start, the report argues that his performances have not matched his reported weekly salary of £230,000.
Conor Gallagher completes the midfield following his move from Atletico Madrid to Tottenham last January. While acknowledging his commitment and work rate, the report concludes that his £160,000 weekly salary is greater than his performances have warranted.
The selection reflects the report’s broader argument that financial rewards in the Premier League do not always correspond with performances on the pitch. While every player included has demonstrated quality during different stages of their career, Planet Football contends that recent form, limited appearances or injury setbacks have left their salaries under increased scrutiny.
