Liverpool are back in the driver’s seat.
According to recent reports from the Liverpool Echo, the Reds are expected to receive a record windfall for winning the Premier League title – a whopping £175m if these reports are accurate.
This could bring a much needed lift to transfer finances for the summer window; which is not set to close until October 1st.
Jurgen Klopp has been strapped for funds this far in the summer window due to a loss in revenue from mid March through mid June. This windfall, if spent wisely, can help the Reds compete with other wealthier sides in the transfer market.
Indeed, with this sort of pocketbook, Liverpool can now go after any player or players they might fancy with full confidence in their ability to compete financially with the Manchester’s United and City, Chelsea or Arsenal.
For example, Man City want Kalidou Koulibaly and Napoli are willing to sell – but are demanding £63m for the defender.
Liverpool have had him on their radar for quite sometime and City have already signed Nathan Ake in the past week. It remains to be seen, but the asking price could just be a tad high as Napoli might well be looking to keep the crafty gifted center back?
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Decidedly, the prize to be awarded to the Reds puts them in the hunt for Kalidou but could run afoul if caught up in a bidding war with the deep pocketed City.
It might also have a bearing on how the rumored loan/sell situation shapes up for the likes of Harry Wilson and Marko Grujic. The Reds may just warm to the prospect of another loan this season particularly for the likes of Wilson.
This could also have an impact on the futures of the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, and Divock Origi. The Belgian forward was also recently rumored to be a possible sell-on candidate to raise much needed funds. There has been interest in the past from Real Betis and Genk – although Origi has said he is quite happy in a supporting squad role with the Reds.
The centre-back issue is one that is most pressing, as the Reds must be seeking to find decent and competent cover for Joe Gomez. This could also simplify the situation around Joel Matip who was rumored earlier this month wanted by PSG.
With the signing of Tsimikas on Monday, this issue has been pushed to the fore.
I expect Klopp and Michael Edwards to be in healthy discussions between now and the 15th of September when Liverpool begin their title defense (attack, is how the gaffer phrased this) in earnest.
They have shown a propensity for finding diamonds in the rough, ala Andrew Robertson from Hull, and it appears their far flung feelers are aware of even the most obscure talents across the globe.
The point here is, Edwards and Klopp know full well where the best players are harbored now; and they have their thumb on the pulse of what quality youth there is on the horizon.
The most important takeaway from the news of a boatload of winnings for Liverpool puts them in a far more comfortable position, to make the kind of cautious and prudent deals that have held them in such good stead since Klopp’s arrival.
One might even say they are in the driver’s seat now, instead of just a passenger watching their closest competition hoover up everything in sight with an open and willing checkbook.
Most assuredly, there will now be money available for at the least one or two more significant signings to be made in this window.