It was a busy Friday of news for Liverpool, with their Champions League opponent confirmed, record revenue announced and an update on Florian Wirtz‘s availability.
Liverpool have Premier League’s highest wage bill
It has been revealed that Liverpool have the highest wage bill in the Premier League following on from their title success, with it reaching an eye-watering £428 million.
It increased by £42 million in the year ending May 31, 2025, in part owing to the bonuses paid out for the Premier League title and heavily incentivised player contracts.
For comparison, Man City’s wage bill is £408m, Arsenal‘s reportedly £338m, and Man United’s £313m, as per the Times.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 27, 2025: Liverpool's owner John W. Henry after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 5-1 and became League Champions. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It means Liverpool’s wage-to-revenue ratio is at 61 percent, which included the record extensions for Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk, though they don’t take into account any new signings.
The club are, importantly, back in profit (£8m), but if those wages are the price of silverware, we’re happy for John Henry to pay it!
LFC News: Record £703m revenue & Florian Wirtz ruled out
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, January 27, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Qarabag FK. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Florian Wirtz will NOT be involved against West Ham as he continues to battle a back issue, the more worrying thing was Arne Slot could not put a timeline on his return – will the bad luck ever end?
• Liverpool announced a record £703 million revenue for 2024/25 – titles and Taylor Swift really do pay!
• Earlier this week, Japan manager revealed Liverpool were considering whether to schedule Wataru Endo for surgery, with it to be “done soon” if they go ahead. The hush on his injury is peculiar.
• Slot spoke out about the clamour for Rio Ngumoha to be handed more minutes/starts, and he sought to insist that he has been handed more having become a “better player” – he was rather firm with his answer!
• Rennes manager Frank Haise, meanwhile, offered a minor update on Jeremy Jacquet, explaining he is currently “receiving treatment” and “working in the gym” – hopefully that’s good news! (GFFN)
Liverpool’s Champions League Draw & Bracket
One of the big stories of the day centred around the Champions League, which saw Liverpool discover their last 16 opponent, when the games will be played and who they could face in the next rounds:
Football News: Anthony Gordon future & Ruben Amorim exit compensation
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 16, 2025: Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon reacts after missing a chance during the FA Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Newcastle United FC at Villa Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Anthony Gordon has been told by Eddie Howe to stay fully focused on finishing the season strongly with Newcastle amid growing speculation about his future – imagine if they had another Isak situation
• Man United‘s signing and then dismissal of Ruben Amorim reportedly could cost them £37.3 million in various compensation packages – they love throwing away money (BBC)
• The Premier League are among the groups putting the pressure on IFAB to trial temporary concussion substitutes – a test of player welfare! (The Athletic)
Liverpool FC: On this day
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 27, 2022: Liverpool's Joel Matip celebrates with the trophy after the Football League Cup Final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. Liverpool won 11-10 on penalties after a goal-less draw. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It has been a week to remember League Cup triumphs, February 27 now marking the anniversary of Liverpool’s 2022 victory over Chelsea.
The first of two cup finals against Chelsea that season, both won by Liverpool on penalties after goalless draws, this was a nervy affair.
The match went to spot-kicks after both teams missed guilt-edged chances in the 120 minutes; Joel Matip went closest to a goal when he thought he had scored after 69 minutes, only for it to be ruled for a foul by Virgil van Dijk in the build-up.
The shootout was hard to watch, with all 22 penalties being scored before Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa blazed over to hand Liverpool the trophy.