'Michael Edwards masterclass' are three words that have become commonplace in the world of social media in recent times.
Not only has Liverpool's former sporting director managed to secure cut-price deals for incoming players, what has been equally impressive has been the fees generated for fringe players moving on from Anfield. There are plenty of examples to choose from, be it Danny Ward, Dominic Solanke or Rhian Brewster. The Reds have very quickly become the transfer market specialists, which has again been on show under Edwards' successor: Julian Ward.
Liverpool earned nine times what they paid for defender Ben Davies this summer, despite never making a senior appearance for the club, and generated a healthy £17m package deal for Neco Williams to join Nottingham Forest.
READ MORE: Darwin Nunez is ready for 'big step' at Liverpool and three players prove it
READ MORE: Liverpool have quietly made big 'statement' after crucial Jurgen Klopp change
This recruitment model has served the Reds well during Edwards' stewardship, enabling Klopp's side to maintain a low net spend in comparison to their rivals due to offsetting additions to the squad through significant player sales.
The Reds' main title rivals, Manchester City, have enjoyed a greater sense of freedom in the transfer market, with the Sky Blues' strategy placing an emphasis on winning at all costs despite the financial burden attached to achieving this ambition. A shift in approach has been witnessed this summer, however, with City already generating over £160m through player exits at the Etihad Stadium.
In what can only be described as a transfer window that has been played to perfection, the Citizens' director of football Txiki Begiristain as banked remarkable fees for players considered surplus to requirements and approaching the end of their respective contracts.
Gabriel Jesus was acquired by Arsenal for a fee of £45m while Raheem Sterling agreed a £47.5m switch to Chelsea, despite each only having a single year remaining on their deals. It's fair to say both players had fallen out of favour and would have played a bit-part role had they decided to see out their contracts at City. Pep Guardiola's side have managed to make a profit on the duo after receiving seven years of service from Sterling and five from Jesus.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is another player who falls firmly under this category, having recently completed his £32m move to the Emirates. Using this capital to reinvest in higher-quality options, City are targeting Brighton's Marc Cucurella having already made two statement signings in the form of Erling Haaland and Kalvin Phillips.
Cashing in on Academy prospects has also been another noticeable trend of recent weeks as further evidence emerges of the club's effective model comes into focus. The 18-year-old midfielder Darko Gyabi signed for City in 2018 for an initial fee of £300,000 and was recently snapped up by Leeds United in a £5m deal despite never featuring for the first team.
Belgium midfielder Romeo Lavia is another individual to follow this path, having arrived from Anderlecht in 2020 to feature in the Sky Blues' EDS (Elite Development Squad) and being moved on for £10.5m after two first-team appearances. Arijanet Muric and Ko Itakura are two further examples in a never-ending list of profit-making transactions overseen by the club, though goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is arguably the most impressive exit of all.
Recruited from Shamrock Rovers in 2018 for a fee believed to be £420,000, City have just received £12m for his services after, again, zero first-team outings. Loan moves to EFL sides Rochdale and Portsmouth significantly raised the reputation of the Irish shot-stopper, who is taking the next step in his career at Southampton.
Liverpool have found ways to keep up with Guardiola's men on the pitch in recent times, and it seems the roles are now being reversed off it as Edwards-esque activity continues to be replicated by the reigning Premier League champions.
READ NEXT:
- Jurgen Klopp reveals Liverpool transfer plan for this window and two things that could change it
- Mohamed Salah has big advantage that may explain his new Liverpool contract
Liverpool star almost punched boss in the face as anger spilled over on transfer deadline day
Istanbul story captures humility of Liverpool great David Moores
