Liverpool’s so-called circumspection in the transfer market has been more than offset by sustained success under FSG’s guidance across the past decade or so.
Arne Slot’s start to life as Jurgen Klopp’s successor has been a remarkable thing, more so when you consider the summer spending presented only Federico Chiesa as the sole first-team signing, a wonderful talent but discarded by money-troubled Juventus ahead of the final year of his contract.
It was an eye-catching buy, something that Liverpool have cultivated something of a reputation for across so many years of prize-winning sustainability. Football is fickle and its legion of supporters are too, but Liverpool have done alright over these past years, and may yet crown a new chapter with a Premier League title, six points clear with a game in hand.
Few foresaw this, however, there’s a German sat in a reclining chair somewhere in a Red Bull, wry smile on his face, who always knew that the time was right to relinquish his power and usher in someone new.
Liverpool may well win the Premier League and perhaps another competition too, but if the Reds wish to stay ahead of their fierce rivals over the coming years, it feels paramount that signings are made this year.
There is a willingness to fork out funds on the right target. Liverpool, after all, held a genuine interest in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Why Liverpool wanted to sign Kvaratskhelia
At the start of January, Liverpool made their interest in Kvaratskhelia known. Rumours were starting to surface of the Georgian’s potential departure from Napoli.
While Paris Saint-Germain were in the driving seat after holding early talks, Anfield’s sporting director Richard Hughes was attentive and, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, ready to pounce.
Fledgling intrigue failed to materialise into something concrete, with PSG advancing discussions and Liverpool opting against lodging an official bid. The 23-year-old is now formally Parisien property.
It does show that Liverpool would be willing to spend big on a left-sided forward, however, and shines a light on Luis Diaz’s contract situation: the Colombia international, 28, is contracted until 2028 but has long-standing interest from Barcelona.
Liverpool aren’t naive and have already honed their sights on a different target on the wing.
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