The Revitalized Liverpool: Why Are They Spending So Much?
A year ago, Liverpool’s fans were experiencing moments of uncertainty following the departure of their iconic coach, Jürgen Klopp. Despite a promising start to the season, injuries relegated the team to third place. However, the response from the management was clear: “Let’s continue.”
After failing to secure the signing of Martín Zubimendi, Liverpool closed the summer market with the acquisition of Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa. This decision raised questions about the club’s strategy.
Contrary to expectations, Liverpool was crowned champion of the Premier League and, since then, has invested more than 300 million euros in signings. The figure could exceed 500 million at the end of the market.
How Can Liverpool Invest So Much?
The club has made significant acquisitions, including Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong. Likewise, there have been significant departures of players such as Jarell Quansah, Caoimhín Kelleher, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
- Florian Wirtz: Attacking midfielder, from Bayer Leverkusen for 125 million euros.
- Hugo Ekitike: Forward, from Eintracht Frankfurt for 95 million euros.
- Milos Kerkez: Full-back, from Bournemouth for 46.9 million euros.
- Jeremie Frimpong: Full-back, from Bayer Leverkusen for 40 million euros.
The club has also seen several key players leave, generating significant revenue.
- Jarell Quansah: Center-back, to Bayer Leverkusen for 35 million euros.
- Caoimhín Kelleher: Goalkeeper, to Brentford for 14.8 million euros.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold: Full-back, to Real Madrid for 10 million euros.
In addition, the arrival of Alexander Isak, from Newcastle United, is expected in a transfer that could break records in the Premier League. The incorporation of a central defender and, possibly, a left winger is also contemplated.
Luis Díaz’s possible move to Bayern Munich for around 75 million euros, along with the potential sales of Darwin Núñez and Harvey Elliott, could generate significant revenue. Academy players like Ben Doak and Stefan Bajcetic could also be transferred for substantial sums.
Considering the amortization of signings and income from sales, Liverpool could have room to invest even more this summer. Added to this is the club’s solid financial situation, which is expected to close the year with profits, thanks to gains in the transfer market and the expansion of Anfield stadium.
The new sponsorship agreement with Adidas will also contribute to increasing the club’s revenue, providing greater financial flexibility.
Why Is Liverpool Spending So Much?
Liverpool needed a revamp. After a successful 2021-22 season, the team had players at their peak, but also aging. The lack of a consistent figure in the club’s management, after Michael Edwards’ departure, hindered long-term planning.
In the summer of 2023, the midfield was revamped with the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo. However, other areas of the team did not undergo significant changes.
The club apparently focused on securing the future of its stars, such as Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold, whose contracts were about to expire. The arrival of Mamardashvili was an indication of the need for renewal, especially in the goal.
This season, the focus has been on reinforcing the full-backs. Kerkez and Frimpong, along with Conor Bradley, are the bets for the team’s future.
The hiring of Wirtz is seen as a short-term solution for creativity and a long-term one to replace Salah. The club seized the opportunity to sign a young superstar, something unusual for Liverpool.
The lack of depth in the attack, with Díaz, Gakpo and Núñez, has led to the acquisition of Ekitike, and possibly Isak. The strategy of reinforcing the attack with two traditional center forwards raises doubts about redundancy and team balance.
The lack of options in central defense and midfield, along with the age of some key players, are major concerns.
In short, Liverpool is spending a lot because it has the financial capacity and the need to renew its squad to maintain its success in football.
