Summer Transfers Spark Salary Surges for Watkins, Rodri and Anderson
On.cc · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
The 2026 summer transfer window has concluded with several high-profile players securing substantial salary increases after changing clubs. Ollie Watkins left Aston Villa after six seasons to join Saudi Pro League wealthy giants Al-Hilal, with his weekly earnings more than tripling from £130,000 to £410,000. Meanwhile, Rodri departed Manchester City for Barcelona, where his wages doubled to £440,000 per week, establishing him as Barcelona's top earner.
Key Points
- Ollie Watkins completed a move from Aston Villa to Al-Hilal, earning £410,000 weekly, a £280,000 increase from his previous £130,000 wage at Villa
- Watkins became Al-Hilal's fourth-highest earner after joining the Saudi Pro League side this summer
- Rodri left Manchester City for Barcelona, where his weekly salary doubled from £220,000 to £440,000, becoming Barcelona's highest-paid player
- Rodri's move to Barcelona allows him to play alongside his Spain national team teammates, a key factor in his decision
- Elliot Anderson transferred from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City, with his weekly wage surging from £40,000 to £250,000, representing the highest percentage increase this summer at over sixfold
Why It Matters
The dramatic salary increases reflect the increasingly competitive global market for elite football talent, with Saudi clubs and traditional European giants alike willing to offer substantial packages to attract top players .
The dramatic salary increases reflect the increasingly competitive global market for elite football talent, with Saudi clubs and traditional European giants alike willing to offer substantial packages to attract top players .