Liverpool trigger clauses with £30m+ to be paid out – sources
The wage bill at Liverpool is set to increase by more than £30million because of their Champions League qualification, sources have told Football Insider.
The Merseyside club fell short of winning the Premier League title this season but have secured a return to the Champions League for 2024-25 with a guaranteed top-four finish.
Liverpool’s return to the prestigious European competition will trigger contract clauses within the squad which will grant a pre-determined wage increase.
It is understood that not all first-team contracts have clauses relating to Champions League football, but a large majority of the squad will receive a 10-15 percent salary hike as a result of their top-four finish.
The wage bill at Anfield climbed to £373million in the club’s 2022-23 accounts – a season in which Liverpool were competing in the Champions League.
Liverpool braced for £30m wage spike after top-four finish
The Reds will take part in the new Swiss-style Champions League format next season, which includes 36 teams competing within a league before entering the knockout phase.
The prize money received by the club for qualifying will easily cover their wage increase, with Liverpool expected to pocket a minimum of £40million from their participation.
It is reported that Liverpool earned £106million when they last reached the final in 2022.
The increase in Liverpool’s wage bill assumes that their top earners will stay on the club’s books beyond the summer transfer window.
However, Football Insider revealed that Mohamed Salah – who is Liverpool’s top earner on £350,000 per week – is set to hold crunch talks with the club in the coming days to discuss his future.
In other news, Liverpool agree double deal – they both arrive on 1st June
For more Liverpool and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.