Liverpool fans here in the Transfer Tavern are happy at the show of intent early on in this winter window.

After a stumbling start to the Premier League season and a lot of defensive errors, the Reds seem to have addressed that issue directly by signing Virgil Van Dijk, who made a fantastic debut in the FA Cup derby match against local rivals Everton as watched by many of our locals.

Klopp’s decision to let Coutinho leave so early on seems to show a sign that things are going to be changing throughout the month of January and beyond for Liverpool.

With money burning a hole in his pocket and being right in the fight for the Champions League places, the German is likely looking for 2018 to finally bring some success to Anfield under his guidance. Our regulars have taken a look at a couple of things that he needs to start achieving this year to make FSG stand up and invest more in his vision for the club…

Champions League Qualification

This is a must for the German man, if Liverpool are going to push on in forthcoming seasons, the Reds have to be in among the elite. In order to keep attracting the big players, Liverpool must start to look and spend like a big club.

United, City and Chelsea seem to be breaking away at the moment and Liverpool are close, if they use the Coutinho money wisely they could join them.

That being said, it won’t be easy. Things could change, but at present it’s looking likely that Liverpool will have to fight off Tottenham and Arsenal to have any chance of reaching their goals. That’s going to be tough, but Klopp has the squad to do it.

Silverware

In order to kickstart a club, often a trophy is the starting point. Many look back at Mourinho’s start at Chelsea in which he quickly won the league cup in his first year, before following it with a Premier League crown. Small steps can mean big results.

Many of our regulars feel Klopp needs a bit of silverware to really solidify his time at the club as being successful.

Liverpool have had a tough time on that front over the last few years, but if the Reds are to reach their lofty ambitions, they need to start winning more trophies.