Liverpool has unpleasant memories of coming up against Chelsea during the transfer window.
During the 2023 summer transfer window, the Reds and Blues competed for two high-profile signings.
Although Liverpool appeared to have sealed the deal for Moises Caicedo with a £100 million proposal, Chelsea swooped in and snatched the Ecuadorian away.
Not long later, Chelsea confirmed that Romeo Lavia would not be moving to Anfield either. Although neither player has since justified their price tag at Stamford Bridge, the sagas were painful at the time.
According to former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore, the Reds have a terrific opportunity to exact payback this year.
Michael Olise pushed to complete the Liverpool move.
Liverpool fans will no longer be disappointed over missing out on Caicedo and Lavia. However, the Reds’ defensive midfield issues have yet to be totally resolved.
Arne Slot may still rely on Stefan Bajcetic as his holding midfielder, but for the time being, it appears like Liverpool will enter the new season with Wataru Endo as their first option No. 6. Not ideal.
From that perspective, Chelsea did a bit of a number on them last summer, even if Liverpool eventually finished three places higher and beat them in the cup final.
This time, Liverpool is thought to be aggressively seeking for a new forward. Michael Olise, Crystal Palace’s wide man, is allegedly a target.
Despite Liverpool’s apparent liking for Olise, Chelsea’s interest appears to be considerably more aggressive. However, writing for Caught Offside, Collymore feels that Anfield would be a better fit for the Frenchman.
“If I’m Olise and I’ve got a choice of Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs, what have you – I’m going for Liverpool all day long,” says the football commentator. “Why Liverpool?” They have some excellent attacking alternatives, as well as some very talented young players who can assist him,” he says.
“What a greater ‘welcome to Anfield gift’? Arne Slot will want a player to whom he can declare, “This is mine.” Not Jurgen Klopp’s. Mine.
Liverpool would be a better fit for him. I can imagine him as a fantastic fit! “Get it done, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes!”
Liverpool could maintain Michael Olise’s edge
The talk of Liverpool triggering Olise’s £60 million release clause and competing with Premier League rivals to get him has died down recently.
Nevertheless, it has been suggested that Liverpool may have an advantage over Chelsea in the race.
Olise is thought to want Champions League football before leaving Crystal Palace. Currently, Liverpool can provide this service, but Chelsea cannot.
This contrasts with a year ago, when neither club was preparing for a season in Europe’s premier continental competition.
If Liverpool had promised Caicedo or Lavia a Champions League campaign, they could have gotten them. In terms of Olise, we’re not convinced it will matter.
