Paul Gascoigne, the former England international known as “Gazza,” has reflected on the rising financial stakes in the Premier League and expressed confidence that he would command a substantial salary if he were playing in today’s game. Speaking ahead of an upcoming event at the Watford Palace Theatre, Gascoigne commented on recent high-profile transfers as well as emerging talent in English football.

Earlier this month, England midfielders Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers broke domestic transfer records with moves to Manchester City and Chelsea, respectively. Anderson’s transfer from Newcastle United to Manchester City was reportedly valued at £115 million, only to be surpassed shortly after by Rogers’ switch from Aston Villa to Chelsea for £117 million. Gascoigne acknowledged the hefty fees, suggesting that both players are worth their price tags but claimed his own value would eclipse them all.

“£130 million wouldn’t even pay my tax bill with the wages I would be on if I was playing today,” Gascoigne said. He added that he could easily earn “a million pounds a week” in the current Premier League environment and joked that his style would be so effortless it would be akin to “playing with a cigar on.”

While Anderson and Rogers have garnered attention for their transfers and performances, Gascoigne reserved particular praise for Jude Bellingham, whose displays for England and his club have impressed many. “Jude Bellingham definitely caught my eye at the World Cup,” Gascoigne said. “Does he get my seal of approval? I think he absolutely does, yeah.”

Gascoigne emphasized the importance of a supportive team environment for individual success, noting that even standout players rely on strong teammates. Reflecting on his own career, he mentioned playing alongside Bryan Robson and suggested that Bellingham benefits similarly from quality players around him.

The comments coincide with Gascoigne’s promotion of “Sports Stars Stories: An Evening with Paul Gascoigne,” a two-hour show scheduled for September 26 at Watford Palace Theatre. The event will feature Gascoigne recounting key moments from his career and personal life. Tickets are available now, priced from £35.

Gascoigne’s remarks highlight the dramatic growth in player valuations and salaries within English football over the past quarter-century, as well as the continued emergence of young talent like Bellingham.