Fenway Sports Group’s John W. Henry, owner of Liverpool Football Club, has finally given his reply to his critics, who have been raising questions about the club’s transfer policy since the day the Reds have heavily splashed money on young British talent.

Liverpool Owner – John W. Henry

In an interview to the Telegraph, Henry said, “For a number of years players of quality were being sold and players of lesser quality were being purchased. The club wasn’t being run by people with the kind of discipline it takes to be successful over the long-term. It’s odd to be criticized by some who think we are over-spending.”

Talking about his intentions to continue this investment, Henry added, “The worry seemed to be that we wouldn’t spend. But we’ve been consistent, we intend to strengthen this club annually but that doesn’t mean we will deficit spend. It’s up to us to strengthen revenues. Only then will the club be strong enough to compete in Europe.”

Making a note on the so-called ‘over-valuation’ of British players, the Boston Red Sox owner said, “Everyone seemed to think that Liverpool was over-valuing British players this summer. But when the Premier League has the whole world to choose players from and there is a substantial homegrown rule, British players are going to be highly valued.

“Look at the prices paid this year for Connor Wickham and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. At Liverpool we have purchased each player for a different reason. It doesn’t mean we are going to solve all of our issues in one season, but we are headed in the right direction.”

Liverpool have in all spent more than £100 million on their signings so far since last January. The spending spree started with the £23 million arrival of Luis Suarez from Ajax, who has now mesmerized the Anfield crowd, and the unexpected departure of Fernando Torres for a British record transfer fee of £50 million. Torres’ transfer to Chelsea on the deadline day meant Kenny Dalglish had to agree to shell out £35 million on the then Premier League top-scorer – Newcastle United’s Andy Carroll.

And this summer, the owners have delighted their fans worldwide by investing in quality players like Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing, of which Downing and Henderson turning out to be very expensive as per many football pundits. The Merseyside club is still active in the transfer market as they are chasing young Uruguayan defender Sebastian Coates and a back-up striker.

Tags: EPL, Fenway Sports Group, Football, John W. Henry, Liverpool Football Club, Premier League, Transfer Activity