Ahead of the Super Sunday clash when title favorites Liverpool visit Stamford Bridge, we look at how dominating Europe has helped the Reds in the transfer war with Chelsea.
Historically both sides have similar taste in young, attacking players so they have locked horns many times in the transfer market. However, the richer side usually won, outbidding Liverpool last minute.
May years back Gerard Houlliertried many times to lure Irish forward Damien Duff to Anfield but the big transfer fees hindered the dream. On a single attempt Chelsea signed Duff from Blackburn who went on to win two league titles.
Both sides had shared talented players like Joe Cole, Yossi Bernayoun and Frenchman Nicolas Anelka. But as Liverpool tried getting their transfer targets, it was Chelsea readily beating them at it as they enjoyed successes on the pitch and had a moneybag bankrolling their dreams.
Brazilian forward Willian had Liverpool and Spurs wanting his signature back in 2013. Then last minute he agreed to a move to Chelsea. After Brendan Rodgers lost Willian, he tried getting Diego Costa the following year, even triggering his release clause. Costa refused to leave just yet, remaining with Atletico Madrid. When Chelsea came calling, he couldn’t maintain the same energy.
Liverpool also tried luring Mohammed Salah when he was frustrated at Chelsea but they could not as the Egyptian said yes to AS Roma.
With Liverpool now being an European powerhouse and on a momentum to maintain this in the foreseeable future, the dynamics have shifted in favour of them. While Chelsea are on a transfer ban, when they re-enter the market, they would likely not control the narrative as Liverpool can now compete if they want.