The Premier League side believe that players are earning ‘too much too soon’ and have introduced a wage cap for first season professionals.
A general view of the newly built stand at Liverpool football club’s Anfield Stadium
Liverpool have brought in a new pay structure for their youth teams, by introducing a scheme that will see their first season professionals earn no more than £40,000 per year, according to The Telegraph.
The Merseyside club reportedly believe that young players are earning too much too soon and have thus decided to introduce a wage cap for their 17-year-old prospects.
General view during the match – Anfield, Liverpool
The newspaper also report that players can still earn upwards of £40,000 per year in bonuses if they play for the first-team, under 23’s or if they are sent out on loan, due to appearance fees.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has given his support to the strategy as the club feel it best serves those who are looking to make an impact on the senior side, rather than just looking for a big payday with much bigger offers for teenagers at other outfits.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp during training
The Telegraph states that some Premier League sides are offering players as young as 16 contracts of around £11,000-a-week, but Klopp along with academy director Alex Inglethorpe are keen on reducing the amount of starlets at their club in favour of “quality over quantity in different age groups.”
Liverpool are allowing their academy players to play for their local club sides, as well as their schools, something which the Football Association have advised for teams not to allow.
File photo of Anfield Soccer stadium
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