How Liverpool Can Afford to Splash Over £100m on a Striker This Summer
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How Liverpool Can Afford to Splash Over £100m on a Striker This Summer

How Liverpool Can Afford to Splash Over £100m on Isak This Summer

Despite already splashing close to £200 million this summer on high-profile signings like Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Giorgi Mamardashvili, Liverpool remain heavily linked with a move for Newcastle superstar Alexander Isak and Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, in deals that could both cost well over £100 million.

On paper, such an outlay might seem excessive, even reckless, for a club that typically takes a more measured approach to transfers under Fenway Sports Group, but in reality, Liverpool’s underlying finances, bolstered by growing commercial revenue, suggest they are in a stronger position than ever to make one final, elite-tier addition before the window closes.

Liverpool’s Summer Spending – Big, But Balanced

Liverpool’s transfer window so far has been headline-heavy. The club has already invested heavily in key areas, with the marquee signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen reportedly costing around £100 million, rising to £116.5 million with add-ons - a British transfer record. That deal alone surpassed Liverpool's previous club-record £76 million fee for Darwin Núñez. In addition, the Reds signed Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth for a fee of £40 million, and Jeremie Frimpong joined from Leverkusen for around £29.5 million.

Further additions include goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, valued at approximately £25 million, and teenage prospect Ármin Pécsi, who arrived for around £1.5 million. This takes the gross spend to roughly £187–£196 million, depending on performance bonuses and how certain clauses are structured. That figure places Liverpool among the top spenders in Europe this summer.

It’s important to recognise that these investments have been targeted and strategic, aimed at refreshing a squad that, despite becoming Premier League Champions, was visibly ageing and underperforming by the end of last season. Liverpool have spent big, but in a controlled, calculated manner, with no signs of Arne Slot's side stopping their spending spree anytime soon.

The Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) are designed to limit club losses to £105 million over a three-year cycle. These rules have become far more visible recently, with clubs like Everton and Nottingham Forest receiving points deductions.

Liverpool have long operated within tight financial parameters and recent indicators suggest they remain in a healthy position to spend. Their latest financial statements revealed a £57 million pre-tax loss, which appears concerning at face value, but it includes exceptional items like stadium expansion costs and non-cash expenses. Crucially, the club’s healthy income and smart transfer strategy allows them to remain compliant, and even conservative, under PSR. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire when asked about how Liverpool operate financially:

"Liverpool are a super smart football club. They're in an incredibly strong PSR position. Out of the traditional big six clubs, they've spent the least in this three-year cycle - only £325m - and that includes their signing of Wirtz."

If Liverpool paid £100 million for either Isak or Ekitike on a five-year deal, the cost recorded each season would be just £20 million, allowing for greater financial flexibility in the short term. This is a common mechanism used across top clubs. Chelsea famously spread deals across eight-year contracts to reduce yearly accounting impact. Liverpool have also kept their wage bill relatively modest compared to rivals, with the exception of Mo Salah And Virgil van Dijk, who both signed new two year deals at Liverpool worth around £350,000 a week.

A Club Built on a Solid Financial Foundation

Liverpool’s financial health remains exceptionally strong, thanks to steady growth across key revenue streams. In the 2024–25 financial year (ending May 31, 2025), total revenue surpassed £700 million, an increase from the previous year’s £614 million. Commercial income, fuelled by global partnerships with UPS and Google Pixel, as well as sponsorships from Standard Chartered and Expedia, exceeded £300 million.

Matchday revenue also benefited from a record-breaking season and the expanded Anfield Road stand, while broadcast income stabilised despite Europa League football. The most significant upcoming boost will come from the kit partnership: Liverpool will switch from Nike to Adidas, commencing August 1, 2025. The five‑year deal is reportedly worth £60 million+ per season, potentially reaching £300 million over the course of the deal.

That aligns Liverpool with other elite Premier League clubs (Arsenal, Man United, Man City) in commercial muscle and strengthens the club’s long-term financial outlook.

Player Sales: Offloading Smart to Reinvest Wisely

Another key factor often overlooked is Liverpool’s ability to generate pure profit through player sales, especially academy graduates. So far this summer, Liverpool have recouped an estimated £55–60 million, with major deals including Jarell Quansah's £35 million move to Bayer Leverkusen, Caoimhin Kelleher's £12.5 million switch to Brentford and Trent Alexander-Arnold £10 million move to Real Madrid.

The beauty of these sales, especially those involving homegrown players, is that they register as 100% profit on the balance sheet, which is a huge plus under financial regulations. Further sales are expected. Harvey Elliott has drawn serious interest from several Premier League clubs and could fetch £40–£50 million. If he is sold, it would represent another huge accounting win for the club, given he arrived for a nominal fee as a 16-year-old from Fulham.

Youngsters like Tyler Morton have also attracted bids or inquiries, with Morton alone valued around £7 million. When you total up potential sales, Liverpool could easily offset half, if not more, of their gross summer spend, significantly improving their net position.

A Summer of Ambition which is Far From Over

Liverpool's aggressive transfer strategy this summer has shocked many, but it’s the product of long-term financial planning. Despite having already spent near to £200 million, the club is reportedly close to agreeing a deal for Hugo Ekitike, the former PSG forward currently with Eintracht Frankfurt. At just 23, Ekitike would add further depth to the attacking line, and crucially, his fee is expected to be significantly lower than that of Alexander Isak.

The business doesn’t stop there. Strengthening the back line remains a clear priority, with Marc Guéhi of Crystal Palace emerging as a serious target. The 25-year-old England international fits Liverpool’s recruitment profile perfectly: Premier League-proven and tactically intelligent. With Quansah gone and Ibrahima Konaté’s future up in the air, a new centre-back is viewed internally as essential to the club’s long-term spine.

Meanwhile, up front, there is growing speculation around the future of Luis Díaz, who has attracted strong interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich. If Díaz is sold and Liverpool are reportedly open to offers in the region of £75–80 million, the club could move for a high-profile replacement. One name on the radar is Rodrygo of Real Madrid. The Brazilian's age, versatility and elite pedigree make him a logical target in a post-Díaz scenario.

Liverpool’s summer isn’t winding down, it’s just heating up. The club has both the financial muscle and competitive urgency to make further marquee moves. Whether it’s Isak, Ekitike, Guéhi, or Rodrygo, Liverpool are here to build a dynasty for years to come. You never know, we might just see a quadruple won next season.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist

Louis Bond

Writer

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