Liverpool CEO: ‘We want to behave like one of the biggest clubs in the world’ | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Bold Summer: Building Like Champions While Honouring Their Values

Liverpool Football Club’s landmark summer spending may appear uncharacteristically extravagant, but CEO Billy Hogan has firmly reiterated the club’s long-standing principles: sustainability, strategic investment and global growth. Speaking exclusively to The Athletic, Hogan reflected on a pivotal transfer window and the broader strategy that has underpinned Liverpool’s evolution into a modern powerhouse.

The club’s outlay is near £300 million, including £79 million for French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. Yet Hogan is clear that this financial power comes not from risk but reward. “It doesn’t just happen; it’s been years in the making,” he stated. “Trying to run the club in the right way to ensure that we can generate as much revenue as we possibly can… obviously helps in terms of being able to put more back into the team.”

That ‘virtuous circle’ has never been more evident. Following their record-breaking 20th English league title and a return to the Champions League, Liverpool’s revenue has skyrocketed, setting a record £614 million for 2023-24, with 2024-25 set to exceed even that. Prize money of £175 million for the Premier League title and another £84 million from UEFA competition have armed the club with the resources to act decisively in the transfer market.

X: @LFC

Investing in the Future, Not Abandoning Principles

There is a clear focus on long-term team building. The acquisitions of Florian Wirtz, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Ekitike, all aged 24 or under, highlight the club’s intention to secure future success rather than indulge in short-term thinking.

“The strategy hasn’t changed,” Hogan explained. “If you looked at just this one summer, it would maybe stick out in terms of the overall investment… but when you look across all the years… we have spent significantly and other times we haven’t.”

Federico Chiesa’s £10 million arrival from Juventus last season was the only major addition in three windows, creating space for this summer’s burst of business. Payments are structured over several years, ensuring cash flow remains stable. Hogan credited FSG CEO of football Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes for executing a plan that remains grounded in fiscal responsibility and competitive ambition.

Global Vision, Local Roots

While Liverpool’s squad trains under the blistering Hong Kong heat ahead of a sell-out clash with Milan, the off-pitch objectives are just as bold. Over 70,000 tickets have been sold for their Japan fixture, and the club continues to embed itself within communities through the LFC Foundation and partnerships with initiatives like the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“We don’t just want to come in, play the games and fly home,” Hogan said. “It’s important that we leave a legacy by engaging with the local community.”

The global scale of Liverpool’s brand is now aligned with their status on the pitch, and with legends such as Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush travelling alongside the squad, the club’s past continues to guide its future.

Mourning Jota, United in Grief and Resolve

The tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva have cast a sombre shadow over pre-season. Hogan’s words underscore the humanity behind the badge. “Grieving isn’t a simple and straightforward process,” he said. “We ensured we had the right support… Diogo had such an impact on people. Forget about being a great footballer; he was a terrific person.”

A permanent tribute at Anfield is in the works, and his No 20 shirt has already been retired. The emotional scenes at Preston reflected a club united in pain, yet also in purpose. Arne Slot’s words, and the way he has led through this, show the emotional intelligence needed to navigate such tragedy.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s something different about this Liverpool. The world-class ambition of this window, backed by a record revenue base and a global plan that makes sense, shows a club that means business at every level. As fans, we’re not just seeing the money being spent, we’re seeing it spent smartly. Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike don’t just bring flair and firepower, they represent the next generation of Liverpool greats.

What excites us the most is how Arne Slot, in just one season, has already stamped his authority. A title in year one. Champions League nights back at Anfield. And now, a squad infused with youthful energy and elite mentality.

The way the club has responded to the loss of Diogo Jota is equally telling. There’s a real sense of unity and care that runs through the club – from the boardroom to the pitch to the terraces. Jota will never be forgotten, and every goal this season will feel like it carries a little bit of him.

This is Liverpool operating at the highest level: proud of its past, bold in the present and already building for tomorrow.