Analysis of Liverpool’s transfer business
Liverpool completed one of the most productive transfer periods in the club’s history. Klopp built a fully loaded Liverpool that is more than ready to compete for titles this season.
Liverpool had one of the Premier League’s most productive transfer windows. The Reds displayed great vision and order in racking up deals for most of their targets. It’s now fair to say that Jurgen Klopp has a sought after squad. Some have even gone on to argue that the current season’s squad is even stronger as compared to what the Reds and then manager Brendan Rodgers had.
At the back, Liverpool did not sign a great quantity of players. But they sure did make a fantastic signing that sent the transfer market berserk. The UEFA Champions League runner ups made a huge statement by signing Alisson Becker from AS Roma. The Reds smashed the world record transfer fee for a goalkeeper by splashing £56 million on the Brazilian.
However, Chelsea now hold the record for the most expensive goalkeeper after signing Kepa this week. Klopp managed to get rid of goalie Danny Ward who was sold to Leicester City for £12.5 million. It is also being reported that one of Mignolet or Karius will leave. No defenders were signed, but Jon Flanagan left the club following the end of his contract.
In midfield, Liverpool made the most sensible recruitments. From their performances last season, it was clearly observed that the only bridge between a major trophy and Liverpool was a good midfield. Hence, Naby Keita was signed from RB Leipzig. The player who has inherited Steven Gerrard’s no. 8 was signed last year but arrived this year for a £52.75 million fee.
Liverpool also managed to secure the services of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho from French giants AS Monaco. Considering that the midfielder was valued at close to £60 million last summer, Liverpool did good business to sign him for £39 million. Meanwhile, Liverpool let go of Jordan Williams and Emre Can, both of who did not bring any financial wealth to the club.
A club that boasts the attack of Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino did not need any more firepower in their front department. Versatile attacker Xherdan Shaqiri was signed from Stoke City for a fee of £13.5 million while Danny Ings and Ben Woodburn were both loaned out to Southampton and Sheffield United respectively.
Next. Analysing Arsenal’s summer transfer business. dark
At a glance, Liverpool did produce a great transfer window. Klopp got rid of the Karius versus Mignolet debate by signing Alisson Becker. He also made sure to add a doublet of quality midfielders, an area which was inarguably the weak link in Liverpool’s set up. Xherdan Shaqiri is not going to be a guaranteed starter for sure but will get his chances to help Salah and Mane stay fresh. A deal for Nabil Fekir flopped, which will reduce my overall rating of the Reds’ transfer window. Out of five, I would happily give a four and a half.