Jurgen Klopp’s time at Liverpool is now drawing to a close and fans will no doubt look back on his tenure with fond memories.
Klopp’s imminent departure from Liverpool marks the end of an era that has seen remarkable success under his leadership.
Since taking over in 2015, the charismatic German has overseen an unparalleled period of success, securing a total of seven major titles including both the Premier League and Champions League.
What makes this feat even more remarkable is the limited financial resources he has had at his disposal compared to some of his rivals in the league.
Despite the lack of major trophies to compete for in his remaining games this season, Jurgen Klopp will surely relish the opportunity to exit Anfield with pride and gratitude for all that he has achieved during his time at the club.
Meanwhile, the astute transfer business conducted by Liverpool under Klopp’s guidance further solidified his reputation as one of the elite managers in English football history.
In this context, we have compared Liverpool’s net spending with that of their ‘big six’ rivals over the same period.
- 1.Manchester City: 15 trophies with £630m Net Spend
Despite spending a staggering £630m since Jurgen Klopp took charge, Manchester City’s consistent success under Pep Guardiola has seen City achieve the lowest expenditure among the big six clubs.
Last season, Manchester City’s treble outshone the trophy hauls of both North London clubs, emphasizing the team’s remarkable achievement and their rivals’ shortcomings.
It should be noted that the significant investment in star players like Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Erling Haaland, Bernardo Silva, and Kyle Walker has been crucial to the City’s success and highlights their ability to wisely utilize their financial resources.
2. Liverpool: 7 Trophies with £346 Net Spend
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool boast of seven trophies with a net spend of only £346m which is less than half of their rival, Manchester City.
Liverpool have managed their finances well and achieved success on the field with a very friendly budget.
Liverpool’s accomplishments under Klopp, including ending their Premier League title drought and reclaiming the Champions League, cannot be overlooked.
It will never be forgotten that Klopp took over a struggling team and transformed them into a force to be reckoned with in both domestic and European competitions.
3. Chelsea: 6 Trophies with £1b Net Spend
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has spent over £1bn in just two seasons, with little or nothing to write home about.
The previous season saw a total of 15 players brought in without any major trophies to show for it.
This season, he invested significant amounts in players like Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, who have underperformed, as well as struggled with confidence.
In addition, big-money signings like Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia have been sidelined with injuries all season.
In contrast, Roman Abramovich’s era was successful and cut-throat as Chelsea managed to walk away with six major trophies in less than a decade.
The club’s noteworthy achievement was under the leadership of Thomas Tuchel, where they secured major trophies such as the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup.
Despite this, Chelsea’s recent lack of success under Boehly’s ownership has overshadowed their previous achievements.
4. Manchester United: 4 Trophies with £1b Net Spend
Despite having spent £1 billion, Manchester United have not fared so well.
Despite the significant investment, Manchester United continues to struggle with inconsistency.
Manchester United last won the Champions League in the 2007-2008 season and the Premier League in the 2012-2013 season.
Ever since, they have been settling for domestic and second-tier European cups instead.
Erik ten Hag has only managed to win half of the feat in his debut campaign, and he will be aiming to improve on last year’s Carabao Cup win, by winning the FA Cup when they face Manchester City on May 25.
5. Arsenal: 2 Trophies with £702m Net Spend
Arsenal have struggled to see success even in their hard times with two FA Cup victories and three Community Shield titles since Jurgen Klopp’s appointment in 2015-16.
Under the leadership of sporting director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s form have impressively improved that their fans are no longer questioning the club’s direction in transfers.
However, despite their recent resurgence, Arsenal has yet to win more significant silverware.
They have come close, such as in the 2019 Europa League final against Chelsea and in a close race with Manchester City for the Premier League title last season.
This season, Arsenal have the chance to break a 20-year Premier League trophy drought and make a mark on Manchester United’s position.
Arsenal last won the Premier League in the 2003-2004 season, when they went unbeaten throughout the entire campaign, earning the nickname “The Invincibles”.
6. Tottenham: £570m Net Spend without Trophy
Since Jurgen Klopp joined Liverpool, Tottenham has had a net spend of £570 million without winning any trophies.
Despite not spending as much as their rivals, Spurs have not been able to secure any silverware since 2008.
It’s clear that money doesn’t always buy success in football, and Tottenham’s lack of trophies despite their significant spending is a stark reminder of that.
Their failure to convert their investments into silverware is a major issue that needs to be addressed if they want to compete at the highest level.
The departure of star players like Harry Kane is a consequence of this lack of success, and Spurs will need to make major changes if they want to break their trophy drought.
