Liverpool’s summer transfer dealings have got off to a promising start, but failure to qualify for European competition may harm the club’s chances of signing some of the marquee players that will move clubs before the new season kicks off.
Liverpool’s Lustre May Be Diminished
The 2015-2016 Premier League standings will prove very interesting when it comes to the silly season that is the summer transfer window. Leicester, the newly crowned champions, traditionally are not a huge draw for world class players. Even with the new found exposure that comes with the title of champions, it is unlikely that we will see the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Paul Pogba plying their trade at the King Power Stadium next season.
Traditional English football powerhouses like Arsenal and the more recent Manchester City have the drawing power of the Champions League as well as the glamour of London and the unlimited riches of the Etihad in order to entice the very top stars.
Tottenham Hotspur round out the Champions League qualifiers from the Premier League, and they have made considerable strides with very wise squad building under Mauricio Pochettino. Spurs now have the draw of Champions League football and the glamour of a London location. However can Spurs sign player’s of world class quality? Recent transfer history from the North London club suggests not.
Liverpool, a traditional English footballing powerhouse, in having finished eighth and not secured entry into European football, are now at a distinct disadvantage compared to their traditional rivals when it comes to signing top class players. Even Manchester United, the great traditional rivals, after a very poor season overall, can at least offer Europa League football to potential recruits.
A well known pursuit of Mario Gotze seems to be in vain with the recent reports of the German star’s alleged decision to stay with Bayern Munich. Piotr Zielinski has also been heavily linked with a summer move to Anfield, he is however hardly a household name in world football and currently playing for traditional minnows Empoli in Serie A.
Brendan Rodgers faced similar issues in the 2013-14 pre-season. The Northern Irishman had no European football to offer and was a relatively unknown name in the managerial stakes. His transfer window that year was little short of disastrous. Expensive flops like Iago Aspas, Tiago Llori and Luis Alberto alongside underachiever Simon Mignolet were bought.
Jurgen Klopp may face similar issues in recruitment this summer. Fortunately the German is a fan favourite and well-known not only in the Bundesliga but throughout Europe as one of the top managers around. He should also be backed with considerable funds from the American owners. Liverpool fans can only hope that Klopp’s magnetic personality and the lure of the Anfield crowd will be enough to draw players of the calibre needed to push the team to the next level.
