The decision to sign by Brighton manager Graham Potter to sign Adam Lallana on a free transfer this summer seemed like a sensible move for all concerned.
The 32-year-old had seen his game time decrease dramatically in the previous three seasons at Liverpool due to injuries and intense competition for places at a club that has been winning trophies galore.
And Potter's young and relatively inexperienced squad – Premier League wise – would benefit from a player with nearly 450 career appearances, 82 goals and 34 England caps. But to gain that experience meant the club's wage structure would have to be smashed and the former Southampton midfielder is now comfortably the biggest earner - despite not scoring in 13 league appearances.
Another former England regular arriving on the south coast for free after prolonged injury problems is former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck.
While not on Lallana level wages, the 29-year-old has still jumped into the highest-earner bracket at the Amex Stadium.
Further down in the wages pecking order is this season's star turn so far, former Chelsea full-back Tariq Lamptey.
Small in stature but huge in potential, Lamptey will surely be charging up the pay pecking order – whether at Brighton or eventually at one of the league's bigger-hitters – if he can maintain the excellent form he has shown so far this campaign.
All data has been collated from Spotrac, an online sports team and player contract website. To move on to the next slide, click on the arrows, or if using a mobile device simply swipe.
