Van Dijk tops £163m wage bill as Iraola eyes Gakpo and Chiesa exits before deadline

Liverpool’s wage bill sits at approximately £163m, according to Spotrac estimates, as new manager Andoni Iraola considers offloading fringe players before the transfer window closes. Virgil van Dijk leads the club’s salary list at £350,000 per week, ahead of Alexander Isak and Ryan Gravenberch, who each earn £280,000 weekly.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo complete the top five earners, both on £250,000 per week. The figures do not yet account for recent arrivals Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo, nor the imminent signing of PSG winger Bradley Barcola, who is closing in on a move to Anfield and is expected to become one of the squad’s top earners.

Liverpool have underperformed since winning the Premier League title in 2025 under Arne Slot, finishing fifth last season despite twice breaking their transfer record — first with a deal for Florian Wirtz worth up to £116m, then a £125m move for Isak. Isak’s debut campaign was disrupted by injury, while Wirtz struggled to adapt to Slot’s system, though both have shown improvement under Iraola.

Gakpo’s future has been the subject of sustained speculation throughout the summer. The 27-year-old Netherlands international has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, with reports suggesting he could leave for up to £85m. Liverpool’s acquisition of Spanish prospect Victor Munoz and the expected arrival of Barcola have added to the competition for wide positions, potentially making Gakpo expendable.

Federico Chiesa is another player whose departure could ease the wage burden. The Italian winger reportedly earns £150,000 per week but has managed just nine starts since joining last summer, placing him tenth on Spotrac’s salary list despite limited playing time. Chiesa is currently recovering from injury and would face a crowded attacking department on his return, with Barcola, Munoz, Gakpo, and Rio Ngumoha all ahead of him in the pecking order.

Harvey Elliott is also mentioned as a player who could reduce costs, given the midfield competition he faces at the club. At 23, Elliott’s opportunities have been limited, and a move before deadline day remains a possibility if Iraola opts to streamline his squad further.