Liverpool have brought in just £700,000 from player sales this summer, their lowest such income with two weeks of the window remaining since 2003, and that is impacting head coach Andoni Iraola's squad plans.
The Reds have spent almost £100m on Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, and were willing to spend almost the same again on Yan Diomande before the Ivorian chose Real Madrid. Ongoing talks with Paris Saint-Germain over £100m-plus rated Bradley Barcola indicate there is still money available, but the lack of sales income is proving a constraint.
Slot's 'sell to buy' comment in context
Former head coach Arne Slot's statement that Liverpool would have to sell to buy was taken somewhat out of context, according to the club's position as a trading outfit. They have transfer funds, but these are usually bolstered significantly by player sales, as last year when almost half of the record £450m outlay was recouped.
This summer, however, only Luca Stephenson's departure has brought in a fee, with the club's wage bill also relieved by the exits of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate.
Academy sales have dried up
Academy graduates have been a steady income stream in recent years. Last year, Tyler Morton, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Nat Phillips and Ben Doak could have brought in almost £100m between them. The previous year, Sepp van den Berg and Bobby Clark raised up to £35m combined, while under Jurgen Klopp, Neco Williams, Harry Wilson, Rhian Brewster, Ki-Jana Hoever and Jordon Ibe all commanded eight-figure fees.
But academy talent is cyclical, and Liverpool currently lack the same level of saleable young assets. Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni are considered important first-team squad members, while a decision is pending on Lewis Koumas. Stefan Bajcetic is interesting Getafe, but such youngsters are not expected to raise significant funds.
Senior fringe players could be sold
Raising significant funds will therefore depend on fringe senior players. Curtis Jones, in the last 12 months of his contract, is the most likely to go, with Inter considering another bid for a player valued in excess of £30m. Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa, both out of contract next summer, are next in line, though serious interest has not yet emerged. Cody Gakpo continues to be courted by Tottenham Hotspur.
With Liverpool needing numbers in certain areas, any senior sales would likely require a replacement to be lined up. For a club that under Fenway Sports Group has long valued the ability to sell players, the minimal funds raised so far reflects a testing window.
