This summer’s transfer window is shaping up as one of the most important moments in the history of Liverpool FC. Not since Hicks and Gillette were forced to sell the club under the weight of spiralling debt have fans been as unsure about the future as they are right now. Despite being seen as one of the best run clubs in Europe and tasting plenty of success in recent years this season has been nothing short of disastrous.
While there have been glimpses of greatness in dominant wins over Manchester United and Bournemouth, a scrappy comeback against league leaders Arsenal and two victories over the financially doped Manchester City there is no doubt these moments have been few and far between.
For many the Liverpool FC downfall was inevitable due to a perceived lack of investment in the playing squad by owners Fenway Sports Group. This failure to spend while at the top has left us with an ageing midfield that do not have the legs or the mental fortitude after four or five years running themselves into the ground in Jurgen Klopp’s high energy tactical set up. And with the recent news that Liverpool have cooled their interest in Jude Bellingham because of his high asking price the frustration amongst fans is starting to spread.
The official reasoning behind stepping back from the Bellingham deal seems to be the need for more players than originally thought. With contracts running out and others simply not performing the requirement is now minor surgery rather then adding the cherry of one potentially world class player on top of a pristine chocolate cake.
Personally I don’t think Bellingham is worth the 130 million Euro that Borussia Dortmund are asking for, and although I think the story behind the deal is far from over I am starting get a little bit nervous about what the summer may hold.
If the FSG Out crew are right and if we don’t have the funds that are needed to restructure the squad it will have dire consequences. Not only will it mean another season of potential struggle, it may also see Klopp himself question his future. We have constantly been told that the gaffer fully backs all of the transfer decisions, but you have to think that a lack of spending in this window on a squad with glaring holes will have nothing to do with the great man. If Klopp walks, then watch the players follow as the knock on effect will be nothing short of horrendous and could set us back years.
I am still optimistic that FSG will come through with some quality signings and I like many of the names being mentioned. For me Jude Bellingham is still on the table, while the likes of Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount and Alexis MacAllister would all add real quality to the team and give the fans hope as we look to get back to winning trophies. However, with each negative article and with each player that gets scratched from our shopping list I have to admit that it’s feeling like twitchy bum time and I pray that my optimism in the owners has not been misplaced.