Liverpool have just confirmed a $30m raise ahead of the transfer window as FSG and Jurgen Klopp have a clear plan

Liverpool have just confirmed a $30m raise ahead of the transfer window as FSG and Jurgen Klopp have a clear plan

Roberto Firmino is part of a quartet who has just given FSG and Liverpool a ‘$30m’ transfer boost ahead of a crucial midfield reshuffle at Anfield this summer.

Liverpool have confirmed that Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keïta will leave the club at the end of the season.

All four players are nearing the end of their contracts and will be phased out as free agents rather than being sold.

Firmino is considered one of the greatest legends of the Jurgen Klopp era as he scored 109 goals and provided 79 assists in 360 appearances for the Reds.

Milner can also lay claim to that tag as he was one of Klopp’s most trusted lieutenants during his eight years at the club. Indeed, only Firmino (353) has made more appearances for the German in his managerial career than Milner (321).

Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain also made significant contributions to Liverpool’s success, but the history books will show that their time at the club was sadly largely marred by injuries.

He was probably first in line when the club decided not to offer the pair renewals on their $144,000/£120,000/€136,000 (salary via Capology/FBRef) weekly contracts.

The prospect of renewing Firmino, meanwhile, has been made less attractive by his salary of $217,000/£180,000/€204,000 a week, one of the highest at the club (via same source).

Milner, on the other hand, earned just $72,000 / £60,000 / €68,000, according to Capology/FBRef, after taking a pay cut last summer when he signed a one-year deal. Start the conversation

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In total, Liverpool are expected to make annual savings of over $30m (approximately £24m/€28m) with these wages deducted from the books.

Says Liverpool.com: Many have rightly criticized Liverpool’s failure to sign these players while they still had the opportunity to do so. Indeed, it seems contrary to FSG’s self-sustaining business model.

It is good, however, that the club has now freed up a lot of space in its selection and has reduced its salary well. This $30m can be used for a new signing as part of the club’s expected midfield transformation, which both FSG and Klopp have already started to make progress on.

The hope is that if they prove their worth, as has always been the goal, most newcomers will arrive with lower salaries to make a net saving before moving up the salary ladder.