Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists that he is “really happy” with the squad he currently has at his disposal and will not be spending big this summer.
The official Liverpool FC website gave an update from Klopp on the Reds’ squad, with the manager feeling “pretty relaxed” about their transfer activity and hinting that he may seek to address just one position.
Klopp told liverpoolfc.com: “We are fine. I’m happy with the team, we are really happy. We have to see if we find maybe one position, if we find something for it, but there’s no real pressure because it’s not about signing a player. We have solutions for all the situations.”
Klopp alluded to the considerable investment in the Liverpool squad over the last two seasons and he is correct in that regard.
In the four transfer windows prior to this summer, the Anfield club spent £320.47million, including the club-record signing of Virgil van Dijk for £75m along with the £50m+ additions of Alisson and Naby Keita.
So far this summer, Liverpool’s only incoming has been teenage defender Sepp van den Berg, signed from PEC Zwolle for an initial £1.3m.
The Reds already have one of the best goalkeepers in the league in Alisson, winner of the Premier League Golden Glove last season, a solid defence which conceded only 22 league goals in 2018/19 and the firepower of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi, who scored 76 goals between them last term.
They are also well-stocked in the centre of midfield with five players in this position, but there are still some areas where Liverpool’s current squad seems light.
There is a distinct lack of attacking midfielders in their ranks. Adam Lallana had previously played in this role but could instead be redeployed in a ‘number six’ position in the coming months based on his pre-season performances.
Also, while Andrew Robertson was on the PFA Team of the Year last season, he is currently the only natural left-back that Liverpool have.
Klopp is justified in feeling that he has a very strong first XI to call upon and would not want to break up a team that has just won the Champions League.
However, despite the impressive form of youngsters like Rhian Brewster and Bobby Duncan in pre-season, squad depth could be an issue that rears its head with Liverpool having the added commitment of the Club World Cup next December.
Left-back cover for Robertson should be the priority, while a natural attacking midfielder or second striker would also be welcome given the current imbalance towards more conservative central midfielders who, when James Milner’s five penalties are excluded, scored just 15 goals between them last season.
Liverpool fans, do you think further signings are needed? If so, which positions should be addressed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
