Liverpool first-XI stars facing wage cuts as top source reveals hidden clause
Liverpool’s players could face a 25 per cent wage cut if they fail to qualify for the Champions League this season.
That is according to former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Reds may have already prepared for the possibility of playing in the Europa League next campaign.
Currently, Liverpool are sixth in the Premier League and are on track to be in Europe’s second-rate competition next season after an inconsistent run of form.
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Stefan Borson: Liverpool players may have their wages reduced if Champions League isn’t reached
For Liverpool, not reaching the Champions League would be an embarrassment.
The current Premier League champions spent plenty in the summer, bringing in players such as Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike in hopes of retaining the title.
However, not only will these players now potentially miss out on the Champions League next season, but they may also face a significant wage reduction.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “I can’t remember whether Liverpool have a Champions League clause, or whether it’s a European clause.
“Some teams will have a clause that says if you’re not in Europe at all, but some teams will have a Champions League uplift.
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The right-back has missed the last four games for the club after suffering an injury minutes into their Champions League win over Qarabag 🔴 pic.twitter.com/t6Gc4TLmDa
“It may be that they have a 25 per cent reduction of salary if they’re in the Europa League rather than the Champions League, in which case they [Liverpool] wouldn’t lose anything. In some ways, they might actually net-net, they might make more money.
“And then there might be some commercial deals that they have adjustments to if they’re not in the Champions League. But again, one season, probably not that significant. I don’t actually think it would be enormous for Liverpool.”
What would Champions League failure mean for Arne Slot?
Arne Slot has been under heavy pressure this season, with Liverpool performing well below expectations.
Despite only just passing the midway point of the campaign, the Reds are already out of the title race.
Now, Borson told Football Insider that if Liverpool don’t qualify for the Champions League, Slot will lose his job.
Speaking about the impact of Liverpool missing out on the Champions League, Borson said: “I think it would be an irritation [for Liverpool], and he’d [Slot] probably lose his job. So it’d be enormous for Slot.
“But there’s a good chance he’s going to lose his job anyway.”