I had a fear that when the full extent of Liverpool’s financial meltdown was made public it would look like we were back to square one.
But that’s not the case – I now think we’re worse off than that.
Just when we have our best season for years.
Just when it looks like we can finally build a team to challenge Manchester United for the title, all that hope and optimism is out on hold by this almighty mess.
It’s worrying enough that Rafael Benitez has to face another summer of trying to get in early on his transfer targets and stressing over who he wants to bring in to strengthen his side.
But the difference this year is that his main rivals could leave him lagging so far behind that he can’t catch up.
Chelsea look like they will spend big again, Manchester United will want to strengthen, Arsenal have already started buying.
And Manchester City have to be taken seriously now. After all, they’ve just completed the signing of the man who was Benitez’s top target last year.
And whether the manager or the fans wanted Gareth Barry this summer or not is immaterial.
Last season when he was top of the list, the money wasn’t there for him but as soon as City wave the chequebook at him he’s up the M6 quicker than you can say “fulfilling my ambition to play Champions League football”.
It all indicates just how hard it will be for Benitez this year.
He has hinted he will have to sell to buy but what will this entail?
If Xabi Alonso wants to go then they should get good money for him. But he was one of the top players at Anfield last season and will be difficult to replace. You’re looking at getting two players in to make up for him.
And I don’t know what Dossena and Babel will fetch in but it won’t be megabucks.
All of which leaves one hope that the club can be sold as quickly as possible.
The only good thing about the release of those figures last week was that it brought home just how much the club has suffered since Tom Hicks and George Gillett took over.
The debt has got bigger and the chances of refinancing with the banks in a few weeks have to be very slim. But that might not be a bad thing.
Because I, like thousands of other Liverpool supporters, hope this will finally be the wake-up call the Americans need to convince them to get out as quickly as they can.
And if there is someone waiting in the wings to relieve them of this situation they have created, then happy days!
But that’s not the case – I now think we’re worse off than that.
Just when we have our best season for years.
Just when it looks like we can finally build a team to challenge Manchester United for the title, all that hope and optimism is out on hold by this almighty mess.
It’s worrying enough that Rafael Benitez has to face another summer of trying to get in early on his transfer targets and stressing over who he wants to bring in to strengthen his side.
But the difference this year is that his main rivals could leave him lagging so far behind that he can’t catch up.
Chelsea look like they will spend big again, Manchester United will want to strengthen, Arsenal have already started buying.
And Manchester City have to be taken seriously now. After all, they’ve just completed the signing of the man who was Benitez’s top target last year.
And whether the manager or the fans wanted Gareth Barry this summer or not is immaterial.
Last season when he was top of the list, the money wasn’t there for him but as soon as City wave the chequebook at him he’s up the M6 quicker than you can say “fulfilling my ambition to play Champions League football”.
It all indicates just how hard it will be for Benitez this year.
He has hinted he will have to sell to buy but what will this entail?
If Xabi Alonso wants to go then they should get good money for him. But he was one of the top players at Anfield last season and will be difficult to replace. You’re looking at getting two players in to make up for him.
And I don’t know what Dossena and Babel will fetch in but it won’t be megabucks.
All of which leaves one hope that the club can be sold as quickly as possible.
The only good thing about the release of those figures last week was that it brought home just how much the club has suffered since Tom Hicks and George Gillett took over.
The debt has got bigger and the chances of refinancing with the banks in a few weeks have to be very slim. But that might not be a bad thing.
Because I, like thousands of other Liverpool supporters, hope this will finally be the wake-up call the Americans need to convince them to get out as quickly as they can.
And if there is someone waiting in the wings to relieve them of this situation they have created, then happy days!
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