Ryan Gauld is the highest paid British player in Major League Soccer (MLS) with earnings in excess of £2 million a year, official documents have revealed.
The former Dundee United star boasts a base salary of $2.4 million (£1.9 million) — around £36,500 per week.
But, after bonuses, his guaranteed compensation stands at $2.55 million (£2 million) as he continues to shine with Vancouver Whitecaps.
The 27-year-old joined the Canadian outfit in 2021 and has contributed 14 goals and 15 assists in 66 outings to date.
Gauld’s earnings put him at No.20 for the entire league, with former Napoli hero Lorenzo Insigne topping the list with an eye-watering base salary of $7.5 million (£6 million) a year — roughly £115,000 per week.
The figures were released by the MLS Players Association this week and are accurate to April 2023.
Another former Tannadice hero, Johnny Russell, earns $1 million a year (£800,000) with Sporting Kansas City, slightly less than compatriot Lewis Morgan, who banks $1.2 million (£960,000) following his switch to New York Red Bulls.
Scots in MLS (base salary)
Ryan Gauld (Vancouver Whitecaps) — £1.9 million
Lewis Morgan (New York Red Bulls) — £960,000
Johnny Russell (Sporting Kansas City) — £800,000
Danny Wilson (Colorado Rapids) — £265,000
Sam Nicholson (Colorado Rapids) — £260,000
Top 5 highest earners (base salary)
Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC) — £6 million
Xherdan Shaqiri (Chicago Fire) — £5.9 million
Javier Hernandez (LA Galaxy) — £4.8 million
Hector Herrera (Houston Dynamo) — £3.8 million
Christian Benteke (DC United) — £3.4 million
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