Five Liverpool players at risk amid FSG concern over rising wage bill
Liverpool’s wage bill has risen by 87% over a three-year period – and that could mean a player exodus this summer as Jurgen Klopp plots a bid to reclaim the Premier League title
Liverpool look set for a squad overhaul this summer as Jurgen Klopp looks to turn last season’s Premier League champions back into title contenders.
While the Reds are not expected to make huge signings, a number of fringe players could be sold with the club’s American owners FSG reportedly concerned over a rise in salaries over recent seasons.
According to figures presented by Swiss Ramble, Liverpool’s wage bill jumped to £310m over a three-year period – a rise of 87%, outstripping the growth of the club’s revenue, which rose by 79% over the same period.
This has left FSG cautious over sanctioning new signings, according to the Liverpool Echo – meaning player exits are likely if Klopp is to have funds to improve his squad this summer.
So with some stars set to be moved on, Mirror Sport looks at five who could be on their way out this summer.
Georginio Wijnaldum
Wijnaldum has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona this summer, with some reports claiming he has already agreed a deal to join Ronald Koeman’s side.
The midfielder has been a crucial part of Liverpool’s success over recent seasons – underlined by the fact he has played every Premier League this term, having started all but two of them.
Klopp has repeatedly insisted he wants Wijnaldum to stay – although no progress has been made over a new deal for the 30-year-old, whose contract ends in July.
The Dutch international is believed to be on £75,000 per week – a modest salary compared to top earner Mohamed Salah (£200k) and the likes of Thiago (£192k), Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk (£180k).
Nevertheless, the rising wage bill is perhaps at hint at why no agreement has been struck over a new contract for Wijnaldum.
