Liverpool’s Transfer Strategy: Call for Ruthlessness
Liverpool’s Sentimental Approach
Liverpool’s transfer strategy in recent years has been marked by a sentimental approach, heavily influenced by the emotional connections of their former manager. While loyalty and relationships have driven much of the club’s success, it has also led to significant financial and strategic shortcomings. Sam McGuire of Anfield Watch rightly points out, “Liverpool haven’t sold well over the years because they haven’t been able to sell. Assets are able to leave for free because the manager hasn’t wanted to push them out, even if they aren’t able to contribute consistently.” This pattern of holding onto players for too long has cost the club both in terms of lost transfer fees and squad dynamism.
Financial Implications of Sentiment
One of the most glaring examples of this sentimental mismanagement is the departure of Gini Wijnaldum on a free transfer in the summer of 2021. A midfielder of his calibre, with over 200 appearances for Liverpool and a key role in their recent successes, could easily have fetched around £40 million in the market. However, as McGuire highlights, “At a glance, it appears Liverpool hang on to players for too long. They are then unable to pocket a respectable transfer fee if they do depart before their contract comes to an end which in turn impacts their budget for incomings.” This financial misstep meant that funds which could have been reinvested into the squad were lost.
The trio of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, and Roberto Firmino also serves as a cautionary tale. A more ruthless management team would have staggered their departures, maximizing transfer fees and ensuring squad stability. Instead, Mane was sold for an initial £27 million—significantly below his market value—while Firmino left on a free transfer after the 2022/23 season. Salah, though still with the club, now has just 12 months left on his contract, potentially walking away for nothing.
Squad Management Issues
The consequences of this sentimental approach are not just financial but also strategic. By not making the tough decisions, Liverpool have found themselves in a squad-management limbo. The case of James Milner and Joel Matip further underscores this point. Milner, at 37, was nearly offered a new deal, and Matip, despite suffering a season-ending injury and being out of contract, was also considered for an extension.
McGuire poignantly notes, “He wanted to give 37-year-old James Milner a new deal last summer before his move to Brighton. And, as revealed by Joyce, the German tactician wasn’t joking when he said he would give Joel Matip a new deal.” These decisions, driven by sentiment rather than strategic foresight, have left the squad aging and injury-prone. Matip, for instance, should have been sold when his stock was highest, allowing the club to bring in a more reliable defensive option.

The Need for a Ruthless Approach
For Liverpool to regain their competitive edge, a more ruthless approach to squad management is essential. The new regime must prioritize strategic foresight over sentimental attachment. Decisions on key players like Virgil van Dijk, Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold will be crucial. The club must be willing to sell high-profile players when they are at their peak market value to reinvest in the squad effectively.
This approach, while potentially unpopular among fans and players, is necessary for long-term success. It ensures that the squad remains fresh, competitive, and financially sustainable. McGuire rightly asserts, “The new regime needs to put a stop to this, even if it does rock the boat. How they handle the situation with Virgil van Dijk, Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold could shape the new era of the club. A more ruthless approach could see the Reds return to the very top.”
Balancing Loyalty and Strategy
The challenge for Liverpool’s new management will be to balance loyalty with strategic pragmatism. Klopp’s approach has undoubtedly fostered a strong team spirit and extracted exceptional performances from players. However, it has also led to situations where the club has been unable to offload players who are no longer contributing effectively.
The sentimental approach has its merits, but football is an industry where strategic decisions must take precedence. Liverpool’s new leadership needs to establish clear criteria for player retention and sales, ensuring that decisions are based on current performance and future potential rather than past glories.

Liverpool’s recent transfer history is a cautionary tale of how sentiment can cloud strategic judgment. The club’s new management must adopt a more ruthless approach, prioritizing financial and squad sustainability over emotional attachments. By doing so, they can ensure that Liverpool remains competitive at the highest levels, able to continually reinvest in and refresh their squad.
The insights provided by Sam McGuire of Anfield Watch are a crucial reminder of the need for this strategic shift. Liverpool’s future success hinges on their ability to make tough decisions and embrace a more business-like approach to squad management.
Which is why the transfer gurus are back as Klopp leaves
I mean Klopp though I love him. He was considerably out of touch with the normal fan. Klopp ; Oh fsg can we give an additional year to Matip, as he’s been injured , ffs Klopp , Matip will be ok he earns £7.2 million a year . When a lot of people in liverpool live off minimum wage and zero hours contracts less than £22,000 a year
And the insult having Thiago praised ffs . And not selling salah last year cost us the title this year . Salah needs to go hopefully for £100-£150 million asap . Trent if he wants to go to Madrid £75 thanks and goodbye , Diaz shoots like a kid like Raheem sterling £75m good bye, anyone else as well. Gakpo can now be played as a midfielder. I think Klopp was done and towards the last 6 months you could see .
I think Edward’s went because of Klopp sentimentality , houllier and Benitez ; it was their down falls . Now let Edward’s and team do their magic and slot get the tactics and team selection and style sorted .
£150m Salah
£120m in spent last year
£50m saved on wages from last season
£75m Trent to Madrid
£75m Diaz Barca
£75m anyone else Allison , Keller can become number 1
£120m this year
£65m wage bill saving Trent salah Allison Thiago gone
£80m additional champ league revenue
£800m
So with this FSG can pocket £100m
£300m on Expand SKD stand , add station to train line down the road buy house
£400m on transfers n wages