There may be transformation in the dugout and behind the scenes at Liverpool this summer. But there’s one aspect of life at Anfield that won’t change.
While hardly paupers in the transfer market, the Reds simply cannot compete with the spending power enjoyed by the likes of Premier League rivals Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle United.
The onus from owners Fenway Sports Group on sustainability and financial play has at least ensured Liverpool aren’t in a position such as Newcastle, Chelsea and other clubs where they have to wheel and deal to ensure they can bolster their squad while avoiding the threat of penalties such as points deductions.
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But it was clear throughout the Jurgen Klopp era that success had to be achieved while working within financial restraints in the transfer market while usually limited to a certain profile of player, a challenge that now greets new head coach Arne Slot.
A return to the lucrative Champions League will help bolster the coffers. And Slot has also inherited a host of burgeoning talents that, should Liverpool have instead looked to bring them in during the transfer window, would have eaten significantly into the transfer budget.
The Dutchman therefore owes a debt of gratitude to not only the work of the Reds’ Academy, but also the willingness and courage of Klopp to give youngsters an opportunity in the first team throughout his near nine-year tenure, particularly this season when Liverpool’s injury crisis was at its height.
While Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones and Caoimhin Kelleher have all been ensconced in the senior squad for several years, this campaign saw three obvious breakout stars come through the ranks who can provide Slot with genuine selection options next term.
Jarell Quansah’s rapid elevation at centre-back was such he was called up to the provisional England squad for the forthcoming European Championships. Conor Bradley has emerged as a right-back with huge potential, while only injuries prevented 18-year-old Bobby Clark from adding to his 12 appearances in midfield during which he managed a first senior goal and assist.
And there will be more Academy youngsters to which Slot could potentially turn during his first season. Kaide Gordon, the winger still not yet 20, already started a League Cup semi-final as a 17-year-old before losing more than 18 months of his development through injury, with his strong finish to the Premier League 2 campaign with the under-21 side underlining the insistence of Academy coach Barry Lewtas the player is ready to take the next step.
Another teenage winger, Ben Doak, saw his season was hampered by injury problems that eventually led to him having to withdraw from Scotland’s Euros squad after a a surprise call-up, while midfielder Stefan Bajcetic, still only 19, is finally fit enough for regular first-team contention after 15 months out.
Elsewhere, Tyler Morton, the 21-year-old midfielder, impressed hugely during season-long loans at Blackburn Rovers and then Hull City in the Championship, 19-year-old James McConnell made nine senior outings for Liverpool this season and highly-rated 18-year-old forward Jayden Danns has already appeared in a League Cup final and scored twice for the first team.
Liverpool will make signings this summer. But Slot knows he can save the Reds a sizeable sum by continuing the faith in youth – and backing of the work of the Academy – shown by his predecessor.