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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

John Henry must now act on Liverpool transfers as 'long haul' over for Jurgen Klopp

The timing was almost as debatable as the message itself. Shortly before kick-off at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, the buzz of a plane overhead prompted those inside the stadium to momentarily avert their gaze from the pitch towards the skies.

There they saw, hundreds of feet in the air, a banner emblazoned fluttering through the March breeze with the demand “FSG OUT - KLOPP IN - ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”.

The historic spanking of Manchester United that subsequently followed hardly strengthened an argument that has never met with universal approval among the Liverpool fanbase, the money for the flyby most likely wasted with the stunt struggling to be remembered even as a postscript from such a remarkable afternoon.

EXCLUSIVE: John Henry reveals FSG plan for Liverpool in interview with the ECHO

READ MORE: UEFA to refund Liverpool fans caught up in Champions League final chaos

But it was merely the latest sign of discontent from a section of the fanbase which believes Fenway Sports Group need to depart as soon as possible to safeguard the future of the club, a cause that has struggled to gain any significant traction beyond the goldfish bowl of social media.

What all supporters are in agreement on, though, is that Jurgen Klopp needs - no, deserves - major backing in the transfer window this summer as Liverpool prepare for their biggest squad overhaul in five years.

So there will be significant intrigue in the latest comments from FSG president John Henry regarding the current situation at Anfield.

Henry doesn’t often put his head above the parapet. There was a brief mention of Liverpool last month in an interview with the Boston Sports Journal that was nevertheless sufficient to clear up some of the takeover talk by stating FSG were not seeking a full sale of the club.

But by elaborating exclusively to the ECHO on the plans - both present and long-term - Henry has painted a fuller picture of what Reds fans can anticipate.

And it doesn’t take much reading between the lines to determine there is unlikely to be much deviation from the tried-and-trusted methods that, while frustrating to some, have previously allowed Klopp to guide Liverpool to become champions of Europe, the world and finally England after a 30-year wait.

*Take our quick poll on summer transfers and FSG plans:

That, though, won't necessarily mean Liverpool are scrimping and saving come the next transfer window in which there is an expectancy among supporters of a glut of big-money arrivals.

Certainly, fresh blood is required. Roberto Firmino is leaving when his contract expires at the end of the summer, with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Adrian poised to follow suit. Sure, that will be a significant chunk of wages off the accounts, and even if Milner stays it will most likely be at a reduced salary. And while the pathway is open for youngsters, most of those departing senior players will still need replacing.

"Investment in the club is never for the short-term," said Henry. "This approach has been successful over the long haul with patience necessary from time to time."

The patience of even Klopp has been tested by the continued reluctance to overly loosen the purse strings, the Liverpool boss having hinted several times during the past 12 months at frustration at the inability to spend more on players. Yes, there have been big purchases in Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, the wisdom of which was patently clear at the weekend. But obvious squad shortcomings are now in danger of being completely exposed without the correct business in the coming months.

FSG, though, aren't soft. That 'long haul' must reach an end point at some stage, and that surely has arrived this summer, the careful balancing of the books over several years now giving Klopp and the recruitment team an opportunity to pursue their chosen targets with confidence, Jude Bellingham and at least one other midfielder among them. A senior centre-back is also on the agenda.

Interestingly, Henry's claim Liverpool have identified potential investors for the club suggests an influx of cash could be imminent. And with the Reds putting the finishing touches on the new Anfield Road Stand having already rebuilt the Main Stand and a new training ground, any investment will presumably be pumped into reshaping and maintaining the squad.

Regardless, FSG won't turn follow the scattergun approach of moneybags Chelsea. Indeed, Henry insisting Liverpool will continue to build "in a responsible manner" and his call for general spending curbs further underlines how the Reds know they cannot match the riches of the Stamford Bridge side, let alone the largely state-owned duo Manchester City and Newcastle United.

But Henry's comments show there is now no excuse for Liverpool not to have a big summer in the transfer market. Otherwise, it'll be more than just an aviation fan with too much disposable income who starts agitating for change at the top. Over to you, John.

*Dave Powell will be holding a special live Q&A to discuss his interview with John Henry, latest investment plans, potential funds for Liverpool's transfer business and more at 16:00 GMT. Post your questions by clicking here.

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