Liverpool have bad memories of going up against Chelsea in the transfer window.
The Reds went head-to-head with the Blues over two high profile signings during the 2023 summer market.
Although Liverpool had looked certain to sign Moises Caicedo after making an enormous £100m+ bid, Chelsea swooped in and plucked the Ecuadorian from their grasp.
Not long after, Chelsea also ensured that Romeo Lavia would not be moving to Anfield either. Although neither player has since justified their price-tag at Stamford Bridge, the sagas still hurt at the time.
According to former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore though, the Reds could have a great chance to exercise some revenge this year.
Michael Olise urged to complete Liverpool switch
Liverpool supporters will no longer be too down about missing out on both Caicedo and Lavia. However, it remains the case that the Reds are still yet to fully solve their issues in defensive midfield.
Arne Slot could yet lean on Stefan Bajcetic to become his man in holding midfield, but for the time being it looks like Liverpool will go into the new season with Wataru Endo as their first choice No6. Not ideal.
From that point of view, Chelsea did a bit of a number on them last summer, no matter if Liverpool ultimately finished three places higher and beat them in a cup final.
This time around, Liverpool are said to be actively looking for a new forward. And Crystal Palace wide man Michael Olise is reportedly a target.
READ MORE: Liverpool told they could mould Michael Olise into Mohamed Salah’s replacement
Despite the fact that Liverpool seemingly like Olise, Chelsea’s interest looks like being much more active. But writing for Caught Offside, Collymore claims that Anfield would be a better move for the Frenchman.
“If I’m Olise and I’ve got a choice of Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs, what have you – I’m going for Liverpool all day long,” says the pundit. “Why Liverpool? They’ve got some great attacking options, they’ve also got some very good young players who can help him along,” he adds.
“What better ‘welcome to Anfield gift’? Arne Slot will want a player who he can say, ‘This is mine. Not Jurgen Klopp’s. Mine.’
“Liverpool would be a better option for him. I can see him as an absolute perfect fit! Get the job done, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes!”
Liverpool could hold Michael Olise advantage
Talk of Liverpool triggering Olise’s £60m release clause and battling their Premier League rivals to sign him has eased a little recently.
Nevertheless, it has been claimed that Liverpool could hold an advantage over Chelsea in the race.
Olise is said to want Champions League football in order to leave Crystal Palace. Currently, that is something Liverpool can offer and Chelsea cannot.
This differs from a year ago when neither club were preparing for a season in Europe’s elite continental competition.
Had Liverpool been able to promise a campaign in the Champions League to either Caicedo or Lavia, maybe they’d have got them. In terms of Olise, we’re not sure it’s about to matter.