Jurgen Klopp earned massive Liverpool pay-off in unexpected gesture to club icon
Jurgen Klopp and his staff received combined pay-offs worth $11.8 million when they left the club last year to cover the remainder of the time on their contracts.
The legendary German manager departed Anfield following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season — two years earlier than the previously planned end of his final Reds contract, which he signed in 2022 and was due to run until 2026.
The pay-off Klopp received was worth a fraction of the money he would have earned had he fulfilled the remainder of his contract; he was one of the highest-paid managers in world soccer while at Liverpool, earning around $18.9 million per season.
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The details of Klopp's pay-off came to light as the Reds announced their financial results for the 2023-24 season, which saw the club record an overall pre-tax loss of $71.8 million despite an increase in matchday revenue and commercial revenue.
Jenny Beacham, Liverpool's chief financial officer, said: “Operating a financially sustainable club continues to be our priority and, with the continued increase in costs, it’s essential to grow income streams year on year to maintain financial stability.
"The success of our commercial operations, together with the opening of the new Anfield Road Stand, has increased our revenues during this reporting period, which demonstrates our desire to continue to compete at the highest levels of football in the men’s and women’s games.
“The global appeal of this football club continues to be phenomenal and is the underlying strength and opportunity we have for continued growth.
"We also take our social responsibilities seriously, using our global appeal to increase our community impact and sustainability efforts, in which we are leading the way across the football industry.
“We will continue to operate in accordance with football’s financial rules and regulations while maintaining investment opportunities in our operations, infrastructure and players. Our focus right now is to finish this season as strong as possible, both on and off the pitch, to fulfil our collective ambitions for success.”