NICK FEINBERG: EAGLES PLAY IT SAFE AS POOL FLEX MUSCLE

HELLO my good football people, I trust all is well with you… Man I can’t believe that this Sunday I’ll be tuning into the Community Shield!

It’s all come around so quickly. And it’s an interesting match-up for the pre-season super friendly…Crystal Palace v Liverpool!

It’s all gone a bit quiet in South London during the transfer window... I’ve looked at Palace as a really decent outfit over the last few seasons, but there just doesn’t seem to be the desire to take the club to the next level.

There have been a few relatively low-level signings, while a bunch of peripheral players have left.

Eberechi Eze remains the one “big name” player who continues to be linked with a move away from the club, but speculation elsewhere is damp.

It feels like the main money men behind the team, previously John Textor and now New York Jets owner Woody Johnson are stuck in that space Spurs are traditionally in under Daniel Levy. That is… If you have a team that is good enough to perch around the middle of the table, enough that relegation is unlikely, why would you invest heavily to improve substantially?

The fans are fairly happy; you have a decent Cup run here and there and nick the occasional scalp in the season.

Meanwhile, revenue is flowing in and as a business you’re making a profit.

Realistically, for a team like Palace to hit top-six or top-four status, it would mean a good couple of hundred million pound invested in the squad, consisting of purchases and wages. And even then, it’s a fat gamble.

With the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal consistently spending huge money on improving their chances of winning silverware, the decision to invest for success is a long-term one with massive financial implications.

Looking at the top-five spenders in the Premier League over the last five years (taking in consideration money in from selling players), they’re all at least £500 million (R12 billion) in the red! That’s a huge gamble for what is traditionally a “neighbourhood club”.

With that being said, it’s been nothing short of remarkable how well the club has been run on the limited finances available. Such a productive youth system… producing top-quality players, from the likes of Eze and Michael Olise, to legends Ian Wright and Kenny Sansom.

I’ll always have a soft spot for the Eagles.

On to Liverpool and how different could it be? The elite, massive success, one of the world’s most recognisable brands!

Of course, the great thing about football is that anyone in the top flight can win on the day. I’m hoping, not that it means a lot, that Palace kick their season off with a win.

Sticking with the Reds and it does seem like Liverpool have pulled out of their bid to sign Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. Reports suggested that the Magpies turned down £110m plus £10m in add-ons, which fell way short of their valuation of £150m.

After Newcastle’s immediate rejection, it was reported that Liverpool would return with a second bid. However, there has been zero contact since. Are the Scousers playing the ultimate game of chess? Knowing that the striker wants out?

I’d be very worried if he went to Anfield. The squad looks unbeatable as is. Mind you, with all the new high-profile faces, integrating and keeping them all happy and playing might be disruptive? Naaah, they’re going to win the league title again, I’m just trying to think of rational reasons why they won’t.

By next Tuesday, we’ll be gearing up for the start of the new season! Come on you Blues.

Chat next week, bye bye.