Premier League clubs' lowest paid player after Alves' cheap Barcelona return

Barcelona have shocked us on plenty of occasions in recent times, but their re-signing of Dani Alves was up there with the most surprising events of their contemporary era.

The 38-year-old has returned to the Camp Nou as the Blaugrana's lowest paid first-team player and will be available to play for them again in January.

Alves, who had been a free agent since leaving Sao Paulo the summer, has accepted a notably low salary but could earn more if incentives are achieved, such as winning trophies.

Alves ambition: Returning legend outlines his Barcelona plans to Xavi after shock deal

Of course, the Brazilian will feature under recently-appointed manager Xavi Hernandez, whom he spent eight years playing with during his first stint at the club from 2008 to 2016.

Reports have suggested that Alves' weekly wage will be just €1, likely the cheapest deal in Europe.

But who are the lowest-earning players from the Premier League's 20 clubs? Mirror Football takes a look.

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Arsenal - Nuno Tavares (£27,000 per-week)

Earning just £3,000 less than young stars Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, Tavares became the Gunners' lowest paid player after signing from Benfica this summer.

Aston Villa - Jacob Ramsey (£15,000 per-week)

Having agreed a new deal in February, the highly-rated midfielder has featured in 10 of Villa's 11 league matches this season and will now be looking to impress new manager Steven Gerrard.

Brentford - Jan Zamburek (£3,150 per-week)

Known for their savvy business, the Bees' lowest-earner is 20-year-old midfielder Zamburek.

A product of the Slavia Prague academy, he has spent time with Brentford's B Team and Shrewsbury Town on loan since signing in 2018.

Brighton & Hove Albion - Jakub Moder (£10,000 per-week)

Despite being an established international with Poland, Moder is the lowest paid player at his club.

Trusted by both of his managers to start big games, Brighton boss Graham Potter and Paulo Sousa, the 22-year-old is set to earn much more in his career.

Burnley - Will Norris (£5,769 per-week)

Firmly Sean Dyche 's third-choice goalkeeper, Norris has made just three appearances in 18 months at Turf Moor, making his low wage more than understandable.

We doubt anyone will be on the same exact figure.

Chelsea - Marcus Bettinelli (£35,000 per-week)

Signed in the summer to help fill the Blues' homegrown quota and bolster their goalkeeping department, former Fulham stopper Bettinelli collects a healthy sum each week for his work but is yet to actually play for Chelsea.

Crystal Palace - Remi Matthews (£4,700 per-week)

Like his two predecessors, ex- Sunderland goalkeeper Matthews is firmly third choice and is yet to appear so far this term, having been picked up by Palace in July.

Everton - Anthony Gordon (£10,000 per-week)

With the club since the age of 11, Liverpudlian Gordon is the first-team's lowest earner behind the likes of Jonjoe Kenny and Jarrad Branthwaite.

However, the 20-year-old's nine appearances this campaign suggest gaffer Rafa Benitez values him much higher.

Leeds United - Jamie Shackleton (£17,000 per-week)

Promising midfielder Shackleton, 22, earns the lowest at Elland Road and is beginning to become a regular under Marcelo Bielsa which could soon see his salary rise.

Leicester City - Luke Thomas (£25,000 per-week)

Another blossoming youngster, 20-year-old Thomas broke through in the Foxes' senior setup last season and looks a dependable player for Brendan Rodgers on the left flank.

Liverpool - Neco Williams (£9,000 per-week)

Having struggled to show he was a capable back-up to Trent Alexander-Arnold or Andy Robertson, Williams' time as the lowest earner at Anfield could be in jeopardy, although has a deal until 2025.

Manchester City - Liam Delay (£8,000 per-week)

Potentially the answer to City's long-running striker issue, teenager Delap remains on a relatively modest wage for the time being at the Etihad, where they certainly aren't short for cash.

Manchester United - Shola Shoretire (£8,000 per-week)

Sticking with the same wage across the other side of the city, 17-year-old Shoretire emerged under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the latter part of last term but awaits a senior appearance since May.

Newcastle United - Sean Longstaff (£1,000 per-week)

Still on the same wage he agreed back in 2018 when he put pen to paper on professional terms, Longstaff was once heavily linked with a move to Man United, although the idea of 24-year-old playing at Old Trafford seems long gone.

Norwich City - Bali Mumba (£5,000 per-week)

With three appearances this campaign, Mumba arrived from Sunderland in July 2020.

Playing second fiddle to Max Aarons, the 20-year-old will be hoping for more opportunities under new boss Dean Smith.

Southampton - Nathan Tella (£12,000 per-week)

Former Arsenal academy star Tella is at the bottom of Southampton's pile, struggling for minutes in the Premier League but impressing in cup competition against lower league opposition.

Tottenham Hotspur - Oliver Skipp (£24,000 per-week)

Having impressed on loan at Norwich last season, Skipp returned to Spurs as a regular under Nuno Espirito Santo before his sacking.

And in the two games Antonio Conte has taken charge, the 21-year-old has only missed 17 minutes.

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Watford - Jeremy Ngakia (£2,500 per-week)

Having rejected fresh terms at West Ham in 2020, Ngakia moved to Vicarage Road and helped the Hornets achieve promotion straight back to the Premier League, making seven appearances this term.

West Ham United - Ben Johnson (£19,231 per-week)

One young full-back who has remained at the London Stadium is Johnson, who is doing a fine job of pushing Vladimir Coufal for the right-back berth under David Moyes - and boasts a decent pay packet.

Wolverhampton Wanderers - Max Kilman (£14,000 per-week)

Missing just one minute of Premier League action this campaign, Kilman's futsal roots make him a handy player in the Molineux back line.

A lesser-known fact about the defender is that both of his patents are from Ukraine, meaning he is eligible to play for the nation at international level.