Liverpool’s third-highest earner is set to never play for the club again.
Jurgen Klopp’s tenure as Liverpool manager culminated in disappointment this season. Despite securing the Carabao Cup in February, the Reds fell short in the remaining three competitions they participated in.
In the Premier League, Liverpool’s erratic form dashed their title aspirations, settling for a third-place finish. Manchester City appears poised to clinch their fourth consecutive league title, leaving Klopp’s side with a maximum of 82 points for the season.
Liverpool’s Europa League journey ended disappointingly against Atalanta, who outperformed them over two legs. The Italian outfit is now poised to face Bayer Leverkusen in the final, aiming to disrupt their remarkable unbeaten streak.
A dramatic FA Cup exit ensued as Manchester United triumphed over the Reds in a memorable encounter. Ivorian Amad Diallo’s late extra-time winner sealed Liverpool’s fate and sent them packing from the competition.
An offseason of transition looms at Anfield with Klopp and assistant manager Pep Lijnders’ impending departure and Arne Slot’s anticipated arrival. This period could mark the end of several players’ tenures at the club, including a distinguished midfielder.
Liverpool Player Set to Leave the Club
The subject of discussion revolves around Thiago, the graceful Spanish midfielder. His arrival at the club dates back to 2020, when he made the switch from Bayern Munich, commanding a transfer fee of £20 million, with an additional £5 million potentially in add-ons. However, his tenure of four years in Merseyside will draw to a close come this summer.
This departure was recently confirmed by journalist James Pearce of The Athletic, who articulated in an article that the 33-year-old Thiago “will leave as a free agent when his contract expires this summer.”
Regarding his future destination, Saudi Arabian clubs are emerging as potential contenders for securing Thiago’s services this summer.
According to reports from Football Insider, a move to Saudi Arabia stands as his “most likely destination,” although a return to Spain, his homeland, remains a plausible option.
Thiago’s stint at Liverpool has been marred by recurrent injuries. Throughout this season, his participation has been limited, featuring in just a solitary match across all competitions.
This cameo appearance saw him grace the pitch for a mere five minutes, as a substitute against Arsenal in the Premier League.
| Thiago’s injury record at Liverpool | ||
|---|---|---|
| Season | Days missed | Games missed |
| 2020/21 | 95 | 27 |
| 2021/22 | 98 | 23 |
| 2022/23 | 365 | 57 |
| 2023/24 | 101 | 22 |
| Stats from Transfermarkt | ||
In total, he’s featured 98 times for the Reds, netting three goals and contributing six assists. However, he’s been sidelined for a staggering 659 days due to eight injuries and contracting COVID, missing a total of 129 games.
Thiago Wage in 2024
Liverpool must find it frustrating to have had Thiago, an exceptional player, sidelined for an extended period due to numerous injuries. Furthermore, Thiago ranks among the top earners at the club.
Capology reports that only two players, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, earn more than Thiago’s £200k-per-week salary. Salah, the highest earner, takes home £350k-per-week, while Van Dijk receives £220k-per-week.
Thiago’s earnings surpass those of other Liverpool stars, such as Trent Alexander-Arnold on £180k per week and Alisson on £150k per week.
This contrast is especially notable in Alexander-Arnold’s case. As a player who has captained Liverpool and contributed 19 assists in the last two seasons, he arguably deserves a higher salary.
Liverpool fans likely lament Thiago’s plagued tenure at the club due to injuries. A talented midfielder, fully fit, would have undoubtedly shone in the Premier League.
With Liverpool entering a new era and reports of Thiago’s imminent departure at the season’s end, his exit seems inevitable.
Incoming manager Slot will seek to imprint his identity on the team, potentially leading to the departure of high-earning players like Thiago.
FSG and Co’s decision not to renew Thiago’s contract at Anfield aligns with the club’s strategic direction.
In other Liverpool news, What Jurgen Klopp Was Spotted Doing in Secret Liverpool Footage as Boss Prepares for Anfield Farewell