Two Manchester City players, Bernardo Silva and Omar Marmoush, have been named among the United Kingdom's highest taxpayers, contributing a staggering combined total of £17.8 million to the Inland Revenue over the last twelve months. This revelation comes from the recently published Sunday Times Tax List, which highlights the country's top contributors to public funds, and coincides with mounting speculation about the duo's futures at the Premier League champions.
Significant Financial Contributions Amid Transfer Uncertainty
According to the detailed tax data, Bernardo Silva personally paid £9 million in tax, matching the contribution of Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes. Meanwhile, Omar Marmoush contributed £8.8 million. These eye-watering sums underscore the substantial earnings of top-flight footballers in England, where a 45 per cent tax rate applies to annual salaries exceeding £125,000.
Silva's Impending Departure and Potential Destinations
Bernardo Silva's contract at Manchester City is set to expire in the coming months, and reports from Spain suggest the Portuguese international has already decided to leave the Etihad Stadium. Barcelona is understood to be his preferred destination, though a romantic return to his childhood club, Benfica, has also been mooted. Additionally, the financially lucrative Saudi Pro League remains a possible option, offering tax-free earnings that contrast sharply with the UK's high tax environment.
Marmoush's Struggle for Game Time and Future Prospects
Omar Marmoush, who joined Manchester City from Eintracht Frankfurt just a year ago, has faced intense competition for places in Pep Guardiola's star-studded squad. Despite limited opportunities, he has made notable contributions, including scoring twice in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg victory over Newcastle. However, with regular game time elusive, a summer exit is increasingly likely if the Egyptian forward believes he can secure more minutes elsewhere. Potential suitors include Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Turkish giants Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, with Saudi Arabian clubs also showing interest due to their attractive financial packages.
Broader Context of Football's Tax Landscape
The Sunday Times Tax List reveals that Manchester City's Erling Haaland topped the football-specific rankings, paying close to £17 million in tax, ahead of Liverpool's Mohamed Salah at £14.5 million. In the wider entertainment and sports sphere, figures like Harry Styles (£24.7 million), Ed Sheeran (£19.9 million), and Anthony Joshua (£11 million) also featured prominently. The overall list was dominated by bookmakers Betfred, who contributed an astonishing £400 million to public coffers.
Former Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling, who recently terminated his contract with Chelsea by mutual consent, paid £9.8 million in tax, slightly more than Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk's £9.7 million contribution. This data highlights the significant fiscal impact of high-earning athletes and celebrities in the UK, even as some consider moves to jurisdictions with more favourable tax regimes.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the financial implications of these tax payments add another layer to the decision-making process for Silva and Marmoush. With their substantial contributions to the UK treasury now public knowledge, their potential exits could not only reshape Manchester City's squad but also impact the club's financial and competitive landscape moving forward.
