OPINION
Tottenham surprised everyone by performing as they did in the Champions League last season despite not making a single signing in either the summer or winter transfer window.
Instead of splashing out on new recruits, the Lilywhites used their funds in getting their top stars, such as Harry Kane, Davinson Sanchez and Dele Alli, as well as manager Mauricio Pochettino to commit to new contracts in north London, restructuring their wage structure to tie down their long-term futures.
Reaching the Champions League final against Liverpool, a side who had spent big on the likes of Alisson and Virgil van Dijk over the last 18 months, was a feat no one could have expected and after defying the odds, they have gone out and smashed their transfer record for Tanguy Ndombele – a sign they mean business moving forward.
Liverpool meanwhile appear to be operating in reverse, going all out to strengthen their weak points – a tactic which resulted in European glory – before consolidating their assets and using funds to offer their current stars new terms, rather than spending it on new recruits.
The Liverpool Echo claim that the club’s lack of spending is a result of new deals handed to the likes of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Joe Gomez and Mohamed Salah, their finances tied up in the contractual paperwork as opposed to in the pockets of other clubs after sealing a new signing.
While Spurs have proven it is an approach which can work, it is also a tactic which left the Lilywhites third in the Premier League and lagging some way behind the Reds and Manchester City – both of which invested in the transfer market last summer.
There is no doubting that Liverpool fans will still be licking the wounds of their valiant but ultimately unfruitful league campaign, a club record points tally bringing no comfort of a second-place finish.
Not investing in the first team this summer, which the report states is likely unless the right player becomes available, is a gamble which could pay off or could leave Jurgen Klopp and his man languishing behind Manchester City in the hunt for domestic glory.
Pep Guardiola has strengthened, as has Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs. Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United cannot be ruled out of contention despite their respective issues on and off the pitch.
Liverpool are in a strong position but standing still will do them no favours and as such one or two notable captures is almost a must – if they want to keep up their hunt for Premier League glory, that is.
