Barnes: Every club sells its players in modern football

John Barnes believes the term “selling club” is applied to every Football club not just a certain few.

Pre the Covid-19 pandemic, the transfer market was seemingly out of control with ridiculous salaries on offer, not just for the elite footballers but mediocre ones as well.

Club loyalty is seemingly a thing from a bygone era with players hopping from one club to the next with increased frequency.

However, the Liverpool legend believes that it something that everyone needs to come to grips with.

Metro (via WION) reported the Liverpool legend as saying:

“Every club is a selling club in modern football. A club like Barcelona was forced to sell Neymar.

"What attracts footballers today is the salaries that they are going to get.

"Whoever the player may be, whether it be Sadio Mane or Mo Salah, if anyone is offered a million pounds per week by any club, then they will join that team regardless of their quality or standing, that is the reality of modern football."

Barnes alluded to the fact that the Reds have had to let quality players in the past go,  but the current level of success that the club is having can be a positive factor.

“We have had so many fantastic players leave the Liverpool – Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho.

"It is great that Liverpool have a bit of muscle now because of the on-field success, but ultimately players come and players go.

Barnes who is one of the most articulate former players in the media says the days of falling in love with one particular player is over and the club will always remain the most important thing.

“I always tell the fans to support the club and not the players.

"A player must not be compelled to stay at a club against his own will, because that will make the player feel more powerful than the club and hence it will make him less accountable for his performances on the pitch.

“The good thing is that I can guarantee that such a situation will not arise under Klopp because of the control he has over the players and the club. 

“Players know they cannot overstep their mark with him in charge.’