Maybe, just maybe, the Liverpool-Manchester City duopoly is coming to an end.
Since Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp arrived on these shores, the two North West powerhouses have dominated. A rivalry spawned from meritocracy rather than bitter hatred, both clubs used to respect each other - born out of their mutual antagonism towards Manchester United.
Winning 12 out of the 15 major domestic honours threatened to turn the Premier League into a two-horse race akin to La Liga. England prides itself on being the most competitive footballing country but Guardiola and Klopp had disrupted the status quo.
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Even in Europe, four of the last five Champions League finals featured Liverpool or Man City. But uncertainty now engulfs both clubs, filling any prediction for the future with intrigue rather than expectancy…
Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group appear indecisive in their attempts to sell the club. Initial talk about a full sale was welcomed by supporters at the back end of last year but fresh reports claim that is not the case. Despite delivering success, fans have condemned the frugal, meticulous approach the Reds have taken in the transfer market.
One of the ingredients keeping the club together was former sporting director Michael Edwards. Making shrewd signings was not always synonymous with Liverpool but, under his stewardship, it became the norm.
His exit last year dealt a colossal blow to Anfield chiefs and his successor, Julian Ward, is already set to leave in June. Jurgen Klopp, the glue that bound Liverpool’s success together, is also facing increasing pressure over his future. An overhaul is needed but more poor results could see the German also heading for the exit.
At the Etihad Stadium, Man City are accused of breaching over 100 regulations relating to transfer dealings. The Premier League appear willing to tackle the current champions head-on for business carried out between 2009 and 2018.
Should City be found guilty, they could receive a fine, a points deduction, a transfer embargo or even be relegated from the top flight. Just as their rise was meteoric from 2008 onwards, a potential downfall would also prove game-changing. If only there were another super-rich, bold, ambitious club on the rise ready to take their place…
A window of opportunity could open for Newcastle United. Questions about why the Magpies have acted cautiously since the Saudi-backed takeover appear to have been answered in the aftermath of City’s charges.
Toon chiefs have forked out £250million in over a year but the revolution has not taken the outlandish direction everyone expected once PIF and Co arrived at St James’ Park. In truth, Newcastle are barely out of second gear as far as their transfer potential is concerned.
Once European football and the prosperous advertising that comes with it are secured, the Magpies can operate in a different stratosphere. Under Mike Ashley, the club was eating salads. Now they are eating steaks. The moment Champions League football returns to Tyneside - Newcastle are dining at a buffet.
City, with their Middle Eastern wealth, pose the biggest long-term threat to gaining Premier League dominance. Liverpool, propelled by astute decision-making, were able to punch above their weight for almost half a decade. Combining the best facets of both will help Newcastle plug the inevitable gap in the market once English football begins a new cycle.
