\n<\/p>\n
When Liverpool were relegated from the WSL in 2020, criticism over a lack of investment in the women’s team was rife. <\/p>\n
Since then, the club have moved the women into the Melwood training centre – formerly used by the men’s team – and switched to playing games at a revamped St Helens Stadium.<\/p>\n
They have also broken their club transfer record at least three times in the last five years, showing progression in the market.<\/p>\n
But has it been enough? <\/p>\n
Their budget is still well below WSL big-hitters Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City, and they have been surpassed by other teams around them in the table.<\/p>\n
Under owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool have adopted a business model which has paid off immeasurably for the men’s team, earning 11 major trophies, including two Premier League titles and a Champions League.<\/p>\n
Their philosophy is a sell-to-buy model, where they generate profit over time and spend big when the team needs a refresh. <\/p>\n
This summer, the club spent \u00a3415m on transfers for Arne Slot’s side, having received \u00a3187m from selling players. They also earned \u00a3174.9m in prize money for winning the league. <\/p>\n
The club’s intention is to run the women’s team in an equally sustainable way, but it has not worked so far and the gap to the top has grown bigger each season as Premier League-owned WSL teams have benefited from ambitious investment.<\/p>\n
Liverpool sold key player Olivia Smith to Arsenal for a record \u00a31m this summer, having bought the Canadian forward for a club-record \u00a3200,000 in 2024. It followed vice-captain Taylor Hinds’ exit, also to the Gunners.<\/p>\n
Liverpool will receive payment from Arsenal in instalments and have vowed to spend in January as a result. But the majority of their summer budget went on compensation to appoint Taylor following an issue with a clause in his contract at Manchester City, who sacked him in March.<\/p>\n
By the time Taylor arrived, just four weeks before the start of the season, Liverpool were behind in their recruitment and scrambled to bring in players before their opener against Everton, including three signings on deadline day.<\/p>\n
They also hired new managing director Andy O’Boyle, head of recruitment Rob Clarkson and technical co-ordinator Niamh Fahey this summer – all of whom will play a crucial role in their January business.<\/p>\n
Adding quality is a must and the club cannot afford another poor transfer window.<\/p>\n
“It’s something which has been fed back in an appropriate way. This team needs help, we lost players from last season and we’ve not replaced them,” admitted Taylor last week. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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