Liverpool endured a thoroughly successful 2018/19 campaign – winning the Champions League and finishing second on 97 points in the Premier League – but are they making a mistake this summer transfer window?
European success last season exemplified the transformation Jurgen Klopp has provided since his arrival as manager in 2015. Although they marginally missed out on winning the Premier League title – finishing one point behind Manchester City to the disappointment of many betting sites – the Reds are demonstrating the quality they possess and their ability to compete with Pep Guardiola’s outfit.
However, Klopp has revealed that Liverpool fans should not expect much transfer activity this summer, and with just over two weeks left until the season begins, the Reds are unlikely to witness any big-name signings come through the door.
The only newcomer brought to Anfield this summer so far is 17-year-old defender Sepp van den Berg and Klopp appears to be relaxed about the lack of transfer activity. He told Liverpool’s website: “We are pretty relaxed in that, we will see what’s coming up.
“It will not be the biggest transfer window of LFC; we invested a lot in the team in the last two years, I would say. We cannot spend every year in the same manner.
“But we are fine. I’m happy with the team, we are really happy.”
Liverpool demonstrated their ability to perform both domestically and on the European stage last season; they inherit a squad capable of sustaining a title challenge and competing in Europe. Rivals City possess more talent within the squad, though, and have better options to bring off the bench or to rotate regularly – the likes of Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez spring to mind.
Klopp has stated that both Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will ‘feel like new signings’ after they were struck with injury-hit campaigns, and he could be right. Liverpool spent £170m last season with the purchases of Fabinho, Naby Keita, Xherdan Shaqiri and Alisson, and splashing the clash is not an urgent requirement this summer.
The red half of Merseyside have an excellent squad and their strength in depth is good enough to challenge City; last season proved that. Signing talent each season is a healthy way to progress, but by no means a necessity. Liverpool have elevated themselves into a position where they are challenging City – one of the best Premier League teams in history – to the title and big-money signings are not required.