Shrewdness was the watchword in a transfer window like no other

In a Covid-impacted market, the possibilities for renewed optimism were few and far between, writes Ben Burrows, but Liverpool may still have found a bargain

Ben Davies has joined Liverpool from Preston North End (PA)

Nothing quite captures a modern football fan’s imagination like a big money transfer.  

The thrill of what might be will always trump what already has been. That fresh face is too often seen as the last missing piece between a team achieving everything they set out to do and falling short.

In a Covid-impacted market, however, the possibilities for renewed optimism were few and far between in a January window where precious little talent ultimately traded places.

Clubs' finances are constrained like never before and with uncertainty still abounding, most chose to keep their cards close to their chests. Shrewdness was the watchword across the Premier League last month.

Liverpool, however, were forced to go out on a limb. You would expect one of the richest clubs in world football to be able to make a new signing or two, with millions surely at their fingertips. But the reality is somewhat different, with the Premier League champions not dissimilar to clubs all over the continent in being forced into frugality.  

Without a Russian oligarch or Middle Eastern sheikh at the helm, the Reds have to count the pennies more than most, but a policy of self-sufficiency has served them well of late with Premier League and Champions League trophies in the cabinet certainly backing the strategy up.

The deadline-day arrival of Ben Davies from Preston North End is another that fits well into the astute, rather than outlandish, category. With defensive injuries apparently unabating, Jurgen Klopp sanctioned the £2m signing of the talented 25-year-old centre-back, a deal that won't break the bank but could make all the difference as the Reds bid to mount a renewed defence of their league crown.

So while the size of the fee won't excite many on the red side of Merseyside, his potential impact might. And if they do indeed go on to regain their title, they'll be able to thank patience and precision rather than pounds and pence for doing it.

Yours,

Ben Burrows

Sports editor