How Liverpool can cut over £36 million from their wage bill this summer

Liverpool’s financial report last month revealed that their 2017/18 wage bill was increased by 26 per cent. New contracts for the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane and the arrivals of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Xherdan Shaqiri will only see such figures increase. However, there is plenty of room for Liverpool to reduce their wage bill this summer by selling those players who do not represent their value within the squad. Daniel Sturridge‘s contract up he is on a reported £120,000 per week – along with Alberto Moreno (£40,000 p/w). Also expected to depart are Simon Mignolet  (£60k p/w) and Divock Origi – who only has a year left on his contract. With 16 players currently out on loan – the three most high-profile and high-earning being Loris Karius, Danny Ings and Nathaniel Clyne – that’s further wages off the bottom line. Agreements are already in place for Karius and Ings’ moves to be made permanent, while Clyne should do enough at Bournemouth to secure a permanent move to another Premier League side Klopp might be wise to sign a more resolute and reliable centre-back given the ongoing injury issues with Dejan Lovren. Adam Lallana at a reported £70k p/w does not represent his worth either. Finally, and perhaps most controversially, would be allowing James Milner to depart. The 33-year-old utility player is reportedly on £120k p/w having agreed on a bumper contract due to being a ‘free transfer’ from Manchester City in 2011. Moving on these 10 players would reduce Liverpool’s wage bill by over £700,000 per week – over £36 million across the year – money that could then be spent on wages for three or four high-quality new signings.

BILD. Bayern Munich legend Oliver Kahn on his way to return German club