5 highest paid footballers at Manchester City

The success story of Manchester City started when Sheikh Mansour took ownership of the blue half of Manchester in 2008. Before that, the Citizens reeled under the shadows of their prosperous neighbors and even fought to stay up in the division. Mansour's investments ensured there was an overhaul of the infrastructure and the staff at City. He bought quality players from all around the world as City won the Premier League title for the first time in 2011-12 season.

Since then, Manchester City has been a force to reckon with in the Premier League. The arrival of Guardiola has further strengthened the squad who are looking for their fourth league title this season. The defending Champions have several big-name players who are also among the highest earners in the league.

Here is a list of the top five highest earning players at Manchester City. All the data are taken from spotrac.

#5 Fernandinho - £150,000 / week

Fernandinho is one of the most versatile players in the Premier League. One of the primary reasons why Manchester City won the league last season because the Brazillian was at his very best throughout the campaign.

He started his professional career with Athletico Paranaense before moving to Shakhtar Donetsk in 2015. Fernandinho won four League titles, four Ukrainian Cups, and the UEFA Cup with the Shakhtar. He signed for Manchester City in 2013 and now an integral part of the City squad.

Fernandinho can score from long range as well as seen in many occasions in the past. His absence was felt against Crystal Palace as spaces were opening up in the center of the park for the Eagles to exploit. If the defending champions have to retain their title, Fernandinho needs to play week in and week out.

#4 Raheem Sterling - £180,000 / week

Sterling is finally producing goods for the Citizens

Raheem Sterling started his football career with Queens Park Rangers before signing for Liverpool in 2010. His notable contribution for the Reds was in the 2014-15 campaign where along with Sturridge and Suarez, he formed a deadly partnership upfront. At such a young age, Sterling possessed immense potential to be a world class player. He also won Liverpool's Young Player of the Year award on that very season.

However, contract disputes saw the winger signed for Manchester City in the 2015-16 campaign. The arrival of Pep Guardiola saw Raheem focus on the essentials of the game and not try to show off too much. Last season, he came up with some crucial late goals which went a long way in City winning the League title.

In the 2018-19 season, Sterling looks a more matured player who understands the game and tries to give his 100 percent for the team. Guardiola has praised Raheem for his efforts and hoped he could continue his excellent form till the end of the campaign.

#3 David Silva - £220,000 / week

David Silva can unlock even strongest of defenses with his passing

David Silva is one of the most gifted players in the Premier League. The selfless Spaniard plays for the badge and has been at the club for eight years. He is the backbone of this Manchester City side.

Silva started his professional career with Valencia with whom he won the Copa del Rey. He signed for Manchester City in 2010 and was pivotal in Citizens winning the league in the 2011-12 campaign. He recently announced his retirement from the International football to focus on his club career entirely.

At the age of 32, it's always challenging to play week in and week out amidst the high intensity of Premier League football. The arrival of Riyad Mahrez meant Guardiola could use David in important games getting more out of the Spaniard. However the longer he plays, Silva would always be a legend in this part of the world.

#2 Sergio Aguero - £250,000 / week

Aguero is one of the best strikers in the Premier League

Sergio Aguero has been one of City's best player since he signed from Athletico Madrid in 2011. His debut season would be the one he would remember for a long time. The Argentine scored in the injury time against Queens Park Rangers on the last day of the Premier League to clinch the title away from their neighbors. It was a euphoric moment for any City fan, one they would cherish for a lifetime.

Aguero is a prolific goalscorer for both club and country. He is Manchester City's all-time leading scorer breaking Eric Brook's 78-year-old record. There were doubts whether Guardiola would favor Sergio after signing Jesus in 2017. However, he proved his doubters wrong and enjoying his football under the Spaniard.

He was won three Premier League titles with City but still searching for his first Champions League winners medal. Guardiola's side is one of the favorites to win UCL this season and Aguero would have a crucial role to play in that.

#1 Kevin De Bruyne - £350,000 / week

De Bruyne is the midfield architect for Pep Guardiola.

£350,000 per week salary is apt considering the class and ability of the Belgium International. Kevin De Bruyne started his Premier League career with Chelsea in 2012 but was loaned out to Werder Bremen in 2014. He signed for Wolfsburg the following season and was the named Footballer of the Year in Germany.

His performances for Wolfsburg made Manchester City sign him in 2015. The entire Premier League witnessed the greatness of De Bruyne when he guided City to their third league title last season.

As a midfielder, De Buryne can not only pick a defense-splitting pass but also score from outside the box. His goal against Chelsea with his left foot season was the highlight of his performance under Pep Guardiola. The Belgian has just returned to action after being out with an injury and looked to guide the team to another league success.