Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville engaged in an animated debate over Liverpool’s ownership situation after Monday’s Premier League meeting with Brentford.
The Reds slumped to a hugely disappointing 3-1 loss at the Gtech Community Stadium, with Ibrahima Konate’s own goal and further efforts from Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo meaning they missed the chance to jump up above Tottenham into fifth and just a point shy of the top four.
Instead, Liverpool, who briefly threatened a second-half comeback after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s header five minutes after the break, stay sixth and four points behind fierce rivals Manchester United in fourth after their impressive run of four straight top-flight wins either side of the World Cup break was abruptly halted in west London.
Such a defeat prompted more questions over the strength of Jurgen Klopp’s squad and their need for further signings, with former Anfield stalwart-turned-pundit Carragher believing that Liverpool need to spend around £200million on a midfield revamp after neglecting the position in the transfer market over recent years.
Their first signing of the January window, Dutch World Cup star Cody Gakpo, was unavailable to make his debut against Brentford after a £44million switch from PSV Eindhoven and will instead hope to feature in the FA Cup third-round meeting with Wolves on Saturday night.
Carragher: "They [Liverpool] don't needs new owners"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 2, 2023
Neville: "They're selling the club"
When Nev & Carra start arguing there's no stopping them! 😆 pic.twitter.com/VAu1Ux21B8
There also remains the uncertain status of potential fresh ownership and investment at Liverpool, with it emerging in November that current owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) were entertaining offers to sell part of their stake in the club.
And while Neville insists that it is crucial the right buyers are sought, Carragher does not appear to believe that a change at the top is necessary.
“The two biggest things for Liverpool are keeping Jurgen Klopp and getting new owners,” Neville said on Sky Sports. “The right new owners.”
A puzzled Carragher then interjected: “They don’t need new owners. They’ve won absolutely everything you could possibly win by being smart.”
As an amused Micah Richards tried to play the role of mediator, the bemused Neville continued to respond: “They are selling the club.”
Carragher then shot back: “Even if they don’t go, Liverpool have had owners and the club have won absolutely everything. They have been clever in the transfer market, not just blowing money like your club [United]. That’s absolute nonsense.”
Neville replied: “What are you going on about? They are selling the club. I said they need the right new owners.”
