Liverpool has received praise from Rio Ferdinand for their ability to sell the team to their top transfer targets. Additionally, the former Manchester United player praised the winners for outsmarting their rivals to acquire Florian Wirtz.
Real Madrid, who are currently coached by the Germany star’s former Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, showed late interest in Wirtz, who had been targeted by both Manchester City and Bayern Munich. However, the attacking midfielder was sold on the Reds’ charm offensive.
The Reds intensified negotiations with Leverkusen after he informed all parties of his intention to join them last month, ultimately reaching a club-record deal of £100 million with an additional £16 million in success-based add-ons.
That agreement followed the activation of Jeremie Frimpong’s £29 million release clause at the start of June and the signing of a £40 million contract with Bournemouth for Milos Kerkez, a left-back who signed a five-year contract on Thursday.
On his YouTube channel, Ferdinand has emphasized Liverpool’s ability to defeat rivals as a reason why they should once again be regarded as one of the favorites to win the Premier League title.
“I think what’s not being talked about enough is Liverpool’s ability to go and get a player that City were after, Bayern Munich were after and reportedly Real Madrid were also after,” Ferdinand said. “And Liverpool have come out on top in that.
“I can see it so clearly at the club right now, I can see their whole process and their vision – it’s so clear – and as a player, that’s what you want when you walk into the club and they’re pitching the project to you.
“I can imagine Wirtz coming out of that meeting with (Arne) Slot and saying: ‘Don’t take any calls from any of those other clubs, I’m going here’.”
“Next season, it will only be between Liverpool and Man City,” Ferdinand continued. Arsenal may cause a stir for a few months, possibly up to six months.
“Christian Norgaard, who is 31 years old, Kepa Arrizabalga, a former Chelsea reserve keeper, and Martin Zubimendi appear to be Arsenal’s current additions, but the whole fan base is yelling for a center forward or a left winger.”
On July 7, Liverpool resumes their preseason training, and six days later, they play their first summer friendly at Preston North End.