In some respects, they have been here before. Liverpool have history when it comes to making controversial transfers decisions but have always backed their judgement.
Taking yourself back six years to the summer of 2017 when a row with Southampton erupted over a move for Virgil Van Dijk. When the deal was called off, Liverpool took the decision not to sign a central defender even though everyone could see one was needed.
Jurgen Klopp considered going for Kalidou Koulibaly, Aymeric Laporte and Davinson Sanchez but none could do what he believed Van Dijk would do, so he waited.
There were some bumps in the road initially, lots of criticism along the way, but eventually patience paid off. They got their man.
Similarly, selling Philippe Coutinho the following January was considered a white flag to ambition. How could they cash in on the man who was fast becoming the star of Klopp’s team?
Liverpool have decided to pull out of their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham this summer and will prioritise a wider squad rebuild instead
Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool’s recruitment team have always backed their judgements in the transfer market but the decision to back away from Bellingham only ramps up the pressure
Liverpool were patient when it came to signing Virgil van Dijk (right) and reaped the rewards
With the money on offer, the deal had to be done. Again, despite the accompanying noise, it all paid off.
So as storms rage on internet forums and social media channels over Liverpool’s decision to pull out of the race for Jude Bellingham, none of it will register in the pragmatic confines of the recruitment team.
They will carry on, business as usual, without any drama.
What makes things different with Bellingham, though, is the pressure that has now been put on top of every transfer that will follow – the expectation and judgement, the perception amongst some supporters that Liverpool no longer have designs on being the best.
Bellingham would have a transfer like no other when you look at Liverpool’s back story. Yes, they are club that has been home to so many world class players but hardly any of them arrived at Anfield after Liverpool gazumped the biggest clubs in the business for the signature.
Use Luis Suarez as an example: If Real Madrid or Barcelona had wanted him in January 2011, they would have got him.
Liverpool have had a certain place in the transfer system and – perhaps with the exception of Van Dijk…