By Michael Davey
Former Liverpool defender Neil Ruddock remains unconvinced by Jeff Bezos’ investment in the Anfield club, especially given the financial constraints of PSR.
Ruddock further questioned why Amazon founder Bezos is getting involved in football at all – although he admitted that supporters only care about success on the pitch.
During an exclusive conversation with iGaming.com, Ruddock also spoke about the challenges Liverpool will continue to face in the transfer market regardless of changes to spending power.
Ruddock warns of PSR constraints
Assessing what the future may hold after the Amazon bigwig grabbed a stake in the Reds, Ruddock said: “It’s a tricky dynamic.
“You can be one of the wealthiest men in the world, but under current profit and sustainability rules [PSR], you can’t just throw unlimited money around.
“Look at Newcastle United under Saudi ownership – they have vast resources but face strict spending caps.
“Ultimately, if Liverpool win matches and silverware, fans won’t care who holds the purse strings.
“They just demand success.
“An owner’s popularity only really becomes an issue when the team starts losing.”
READ MORE: Premier League: Man Utd ‘live in the past too much’, says Ruud Gullit
Bezos’ Reds investment decision questioned
Ruddock then expressed confusion over Bezos’ decision to enter the football landscape, saying: “It’s no longer like the old-school club chairmen who funded everything out of pocket.
“Bezos is one of the richest men on earth, but spending power is strictly governed now.
“I don’t think supporters will judge him too harshly initially, but what can a figure like that actually improve at a club already operating at the top level?
“Why do billionaires buy these clubs anyway – is it a status symbol, a toy or a genuine hobby?”
Transfer market challenges to remain
On the possibility of Liverpool splashing the cash in the transfer market under the world’s fourth-richest person, Ruddock added: “PSR is a strange landscape – Manchester City faced 115 charges and it drags on.
“Whether it’s Newcastle or Liverpool, any owner wants to make improvements, but the market is constrained.
“The absolute elite pool of global talent is tiny.
“If top players become available, they often default to Real Madrid, Barcelona or Manchester City, leaving Liverpool fourth in line for signature signings.
“It makes improving a top-tier squad genuinely difficult.”
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