Liverpool’s clever £179m transfer plan may now have pushed Chelsea to FFP brink

Liverpool vs Bournemouth in pictures

Since the arrival of Todd Boehly, Chelsea’s spending has truly raised eyebrows. Regardless, the Stamford Bridge outfit are expected to continue splashing the cash this summer, and they may rue not taking the gradual transfer tactics that Liverpool have continuously put into practice.

Last season’s respective performances highlighted the gulf in quality between the two outfits, despite the drastically different spending powers that both managers (Graham Potter and Jurgen Klopp had). But, being rivals, the expectations for both clubs have not changed.

Both outfits largely struggled due to their lack of midfield quality, but Liverpool fared better due to having the safety net of one of the best attacks in the business. The Reds worked astutely over the years to gradually form a group of forwards capable of finding the back of the net on a weekly basis, and it would therefore be a major shock to see further reinforcements acquired in the final third.

Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz lined up against Bournemouth, and each of the trio managed to get on the scoresheet. And with Darwin Nunez, Harvey Elliott and Cody Gakpo providing depth, Liverpool’s attack – which cost a total fee of £179million – is complete.

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In contrast, Chelsea’s lack of threat in the final third has left them pondering where their funds have been spent and also highlighted the lack of quality in numerous other departments – such as in midfield. Noni Madueke, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling were all signed for eye-watering fees last summer, but the forwards collectively lack a cutting edge that is guaranteed to win Premier League games.

The Blues have responded by bringing in further reinforcements, and additional signings up top should not be ruled out as Mauricio Pochettino demands that Todd Boehly continues to splash the cash. However, recent history shows that there is no assurances when it comes to the quality of Chelsea’s spending – despite their total faith in the acquisitions.

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There is considerable uncertainty around the overall quality of the Chelsea squad, and spending has continued this summer as well. Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia were acquired to address the lack of quality in midfield, with other reinforcements in other departments also brought in.

However, one must ponder whether the impetuous spending would be occurring if the Blues had a frontline that delivered on the promise that their price tags provided last summer. All eyes are on Stamford Bridge and concerns are continuously raised about whether they are toeing the Financial Fair Play line, and further spending will only bring further attention to the matter. Perhaps being more concise in their approach, as Liverpool are, would have been a more effective approach over the last 12 months.

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