Joyce on FSG, Transfers and What’s Next for Liverpool Under Slot | OneFootball

FSG and Transfers: How Liverpool Plan to Build Again Under Slot

As Liverpool celebrate another title-winning campaign, focus has already turned to what comes next. In a revealing appearance on the Media Matters podcast for Anfield Index, The Times’ Paul Joyce shared insights from his recent article The Making of Champions, offering rare clarity on Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool’s transfer strategy, and how Arne Slot fits into it all.

Slot’s Appointment and FSG’s Method

Much was made of FSG’s methodical approach to replacing Jürgen Klopp. But according to Joyce, the structure of the club has only become more refined. “One of the things that the move to the head coach role rather than the manager role has done,” Joyce said, “has been to empower a lot of people at Liverpool to feed into… the overall end product.”

That change has extended into performance, fitness, and recruitment processes. FSG’s faith in data and measured strategy remains central. During the manager search, Joyce explained, “They looked at three elements in terms of the recruitment process… One was a points-based model… another was a performance model… and the other was fitness.”

Arne Slot’s success at Feyenoord on all three metrics impressed Liverpool’s leadership, while his willingness to accept shared input made him the ideal choice. “He wasn’t a manager who came in and said, ‘No no no, I need to mould the team straight away, I need you to sign X, Y and Z,’” Joyce emphasised.

FSG and the Transfer Model: Evolution, Not Revolution

Slot’s ability to maximise the current squad without a major overhaul has underlined FSG’s transfer ethos. “The squad didn’t obviously change that much,” Joyce said. “He trusted Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards in the belief that he could get more out of these players.”

Despite that, Liverpool are expected to be active this summer, albeit with the same disciplined approach. “I don’t think Liverpool will now depart from the model that has got them here,” Joyce stated. “There’ll obviously be money to spend, but I’d be surprised if FSG say, ‘Right, we’re going to do things totally different now.’ Why would you?”

Instead, as Joyce explained, departures will dictate arrivals. “A lot of it will be dependent on who goes.” The futures of Caoimhín Kelleher and Harvey Elliott are yet to be decided, while defensive depth may be addressed depending on Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation. “I wouldn’t have thought Liverpool would want that one to drag on,” Joyce said of the French defender, who has one year left on his current deal.

Photo: IMAGO

Joyce also mentioned that Liverpool have continued their strong record in selling players well. “Last summer under Richard Hughes… Sepp van den Bergs and Fabio Carvalhos—we got good money for them.”

Trust in Slot and a Leaner Squad

Joyce revealed Slot’s preference for a tight-knit core: “He effectively trusted 13 or 14 players this season.” While this has worked due to improved fitness—“muscle injuries are probably down”—it poses a risk if not backed by depth.

Still, Liverpool are unlikely to abandon their principles. “Liverpool don’t just buy for the sake of it,” Joyce said. “They don’t just buy players to make a squad of 18 players.” Slot’s ability to evolve players and the trust in internal improvement remains a cornerstone of FSG’s strategy.

Strategic Growth, Not Overspending

At a time when rivals may throw money at the market, Liverpool’s approach under FSG remains deliberate. As Joyce concluded, “Transfers and stuff like that… it’s going to be an important period for sales as well.”

That balancing act—backing Slot while maintaining sustainability—defines the FSG era. As Liverpool move into their next chapter under Arne Slot, the approach may look familiar, but the execution is sharper than ever.