Ian Ayre plans summer spending spree after return to European elite
World class: Champions League football will help attract stars such as Luis Suarez Photo: GETTY IMAGES
By Chris Bascombe
Liverpool’s Champions League return will enable them to compete at the higher end of the transfer market this summer, according to managing director Ian Ayre.
Brendan Rodgers’ side confirmed their place in the group stages of the competition over the weekend, an achievement barely celebrated given the spiralling aspirations of a title challenge.
Returning to the European elite for the first time since 2009 was the immediate priority this season, another major step taken in restoring Liverpool’s historic status.
Ayre admits the period of exile made it difficult for the club to attract and retain the most talented stars. He says clubs cannot expect their past reputation to count in their favour when competing for the stellar names unless they have Champions League football to offer.
“Absolutely. You get a little bit of that, but there is definitely a challenge. That’s the reality,” said Ayre.
“It has always been tougher in the transfer market when you are not competing at the highest level. We had the issue with Luis [Suarez] last summer because he wanted to play in the best games against the best players. That is always a factor. We have always been fortunate to be able to bring great players here despite that but there is no question it opens up a few doors for us and makes it a little bit easier.
“Even when you step through that door, there are still a lot of others trying to get the same players.”
In real terms it is worth an estimated £30 million in Uefa revenue to the club, although the costs associated with qualification – including players’ bonuses – will swallow much of that sum before a ball is kicked.
Liverpool anticipate they will make around £20 million from their participation, which they are vowing to reinvest into the squad ahead of next season. On top of the usual summer transfer kitty, Rodgers can expect significant additional funds at the end of the campaign.
Liverpool’s owner, the Fenway Sports Group, has never put a public figure on the amount available, but it would be no surprise if the club spent in excess of £50 million on new talent ahead of the next campaign.
“There is no question we always expected that the squad we need for next season will be very different to the squad that we have needed for this year when we were not playing in Europe,” Ayre said.
“It will cost what it costs when we decide who the manager wants to buy. That has always been on the cards. It is fairly obvious that we set out with an ambition to get into the Champions League.
“What we achieved on Sunday was massive. This isn’t just about getting in the qualifiers. We are guaranteed Champions League football. It is an unbelievable achievement from where we were. It is what we set out for but if you were taking bets at the start of the season, you’d have said fourth place would be a great achievement. Now we are guaranteed third and we are determined to push on. It is all important for what we are trying to achieve.”
Some other papers saying £60m-£70m. Seems a bit far fetched, but it should be a big summer regardless. I just hope we sign up Linnet asap.
