Use your head like Sadio and subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Tom Werner believes Liverpool's £80million summer spending spree will help ensure they mount a sustained challenge for Champions League qualification.

The Reds chairman admits a top four finish is the club's overriding target as they prepare to kick-off the new Premier League season at Stoke City on Sunday.

Werner is confident Brendan Rodgers' squad is well equipped to last the pace after the arrival of seven new signings.

“It was vital that we made strong signings this summer,” Werner told the ECHO.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on them because we all know it takes a period of time to settle in at a new club but I think that each one of them has enormous talent. They’ll all make a big contribution this season.

“A Champions League spot is always the target. There are a lot of strong clubs but I do believe we’ll be in the mix. I read an interview with Jose Mourinho, who said he believes we’ll be in the mix.

“I know that Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have all strengthened their squads too but that doesn’t intimidate us.

“It’s certainly very competitive but I regard us as being part of the competition. We are confident that we have the talent and the strategy to deliver.”

I think people can see that we’re committed to winning trophies

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

This summer marked a shift in Liverpool's transfer policy as they largely targeted players with Premier League experience rather than youngsters with potential from abroad.

Having been criticised in the past for too slow to get their business done, this time the Reds moved quickly and decisively to bolster Rodgers' squad.

“There maybe transfer windows when we don’t spent as much but I think people can see that we’re committed to winning trophies,” Werner said.

“We felt that there were a number of positions that we needed to improve. A lot of work went into identifying our targets and we were able to land them which was satisfying.

“Every transaction is somewhat different from the next. Without mentioning any names, we were very focused on a player last year. We felt that we had an understanding but his wife wanted to live in London. None of these transfers are simple.

“But we were able to get our business done early this year and we’re confident they’ll improve our performance.

“Five of the seven signings are players who have played in the Premier League. I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself as we have a challenging schedule at the start of the season but I’m optimistic.”

I can’t wait for the season to get started

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool may have lost out to Arsenal in the race for Alexis Sanchez 12 months ago and made a hash of replacing Luis Suarez but this summer has been very different.

Deals for James Milner, Danny Ings, Joe Gomez, Adam Bogdan, Roberto Firmino and Nathaniel Clyne were all wrapped up before FSG agreed to trigger Christian Benteke's £32.5million release clause.

Werner believes the big Belgian striker will give Liverpool a significant return on their investment.

“There’s been a lot of talk about the money we spent on signing Christian Benteke but his goal scoring record is outstanding - 42 goals in 89 league appearances.

“If you go through them, I couldn’t be more excited about James Milner. He’s a two-times Premier League title winner and a solid performer and a tremendous leader.

“I’m equally excited about Roberto Firmino, a Brazil international and one of the great prospects in world football. I can’t wait for the season to get started.”