Among the 61,000 or so in attendance at Anfield for Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Brentford is a certain John W. Henry.

The Reds’ principal owner is on Merseyside for Arne Slot’s first competitive fixture in charge at the club’s iconic home, with journalist Paul Gorst noting (via X) that the 74-year-old ‘tends to’ visit at this time of year.

John Henry, Principal owner of Liverpool can be seen in stands prior 

John Henry with his wife Linda Henry with their daughter Sienna Henry 

Henry isn’t the only big name spotted at Anfield today, with the legendary Sir Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, the city’s Mayor Steve Rotheram and former Premier League chairman Richard Scudamore also in attendance.

The presence of Henry and Hughes at Anfield this afternoon doesn’t seem coincidental, with today’s match being the last that Liverpool play before the summer transfer window closes.

Indeed, the owner routinely visiting in late August seems to be inextricably linked with the proximity to the market closing, and it came as no surprise that a supporter asked him whether there’d be any signings when he appeared from the tunnel just over half an hour prior to kick-off.

After the game against Brentford is over, attention will unavoidably shift to the last five days of the transfer market, when supporters will be pleading with the Reds’ management to make some new hires while the chance to do so remains.

It is not hyperbole to say that actions made between now and Friday night at 11 p.m. could determine Slot’s first season at Anfield. This is a pivotal week in Liverpool’s season.