Liverpool Recruitment Model Is Broken and FSG Are to Blame | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Transfer Window Approach Under Scrutiny

Ownership, Ambition and the Transfer Window Debate

As another transfer window unfolds, the familiar discussions surrounding Liverpool Football Club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), resurface. With the window now at its halfway mark, there are minimal signs of any incoming reinforcements in January. If the squad remains unchanged despite evident needs, FSG will undoubtedly face justified criticism.

To be clear, FSG have made several sound decisions as owners. Their financial stewardship has generally been prudent, and as legal reforms take shape, their approach may well be vindicated. However, one glaring weakness in their model persists—recruitment. Owning a football club extends beyond simply signing high-profile players, but a robust recruitment strategy is crucial to sustained success on the pitch.

The Evolution and Decline of Liverpool’s Recruitment Strategy

FSG’s track record in recruitment has been inconsistent. Between 2011 and 2015, the club’s strategy was erratic, disjointed, and often misguided, with key decisions influenced by individuals lacking a keen eye for talent. The pursuit of transfer targets during this period was, at times, comically mismanaged.

However, between 2016 and 2018, Liverpool’s recruitment strategy flourished. The arrivals of Sadio Mané, Georginio Wijnaldum, Mohamed Salah, Fabinho, Andrew Robertson, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker were transformative, with the club securing world-class talent at reasonable prices. This period was defined by seamless collaboration between the manager and the recruitment team.

Then came the summer of 2019, where Adrian was the club’s most notable signing. From that point, the approach to recruitment began to falter. By 2020, divergence emerged between the recruitment team and the manager, leading to a noticeable decline in the club’s hit rate with signings. The once-enviable strategy was no longer as effective, particularly as rival clubs refined their own recruitment models.

Adding to these challenges, post-COVID inflation in transfer fees saw FSG perceive valuations as unjustifiably high. However, the reality is that transfer market inflation shows no signs of abating. Liverpool’s reluctance to adapt has resulted in numerous missed opportunities since 2022, with the club frequently failing to secure priority targets. FSG’s hesitation to evolve and show greater pragmatism has made them less competitive in the transfer market.

Photo: IMAGO

Defensive Concerns and the Need for Reinforcements

Liverpool’s current squad does not require an overhaul—it is well-balanced across goalkeeping, midfield, and attacking positions. However, the defensive unit remains an area of genuine concern.

Among the eight defenders in the squad, confidence levels vary. The manager appears to have little faith in one, limited trust in another, while the first-choice left-back has suffered a worrying decline. The right-back’s contract uncertainty is an unwelcome distraction, and two centre-backs are notoriously injury-prone. Strengthening the defensive ranks should be an urgent priority.

Despite these concerns, there is still belief that Liverpool can secure the Premier League title. However, that confidence would be significantly bolstered by the addition of a versatile defender. Lessons should have been learned from last season, when a lack of January reinforcements saw the team run out of steam in the title race.

The 2021/22 campaign serves as a contrasting example. That January, Luis Díaz arrived, reinvigorating the squad and inspiring an exceptional second half of the season. The impact of that single signing nearly propelled Liverpool to a 20th league title. In contrast, last January, no signings were made, even when they were desperately needed.

Photo: IMAGO

FSG’s Approach Must Be Challenged

While FSG deserve credit for the positives—such as appointing Arne Slot in the summer—their shortcomings in recruitment must be scrutinised. If no signings materialise this window, the club’s communications team will likely resort to familiar narratives aimed at deflecting criticism from ownership. Unfortunately, many journalists, including those with privileged access, often echo these sentiments rather than offering genuine analysis.

It would be refreshing to see more rigorous questioning of FSG’s decisions. Compared to other elite club owners, they receive relatively little criticism for their missteps in recruitment. This is not to suggest an aggressive or reactionary approach, but a more critical, objective lens should be applied. Only a few journalists—such as Tony Evans, Simon Hughes, and David Lynch—have consistently challenged FSG’s approach to recruitment.

Liverpool’s recruitment team are well aware of the risks of failing to strengthen the defence this January. Last season’s title race collapse was largely due to inaction at a critical moment. The question remains—will FSG act decisively, or will history repeat itself?

Mo Chatra https://x.com/MoChatra/