Liverpool fans have been disappointed with the lack of significant transfer activity from the club in the summer window. Dominic Solanke and Mohamed Salah have been the two signings for the Reds ahead of a season which promises to bring back Champions League football back to Anfield.
Strengthening the squad was one of the key requirements for the club ahead of the new season, but manager Jurgen Klopp claims that he is not disappointed with the lack of significant arrivals. Liverpool have shown plenty of interest in potential targets, but we have faced significant disappointments for most of those names. As quoted by Liverpool Echo, Klopp said:
“We use the transfer window, of course, because it gives us an opportunity, but the main thing I think about is how we can make the next step with the players we had last season.”
“The good news is we didn’t lose – and we will not lose – a player we want to keep this summer. That’s the best news actually and then we’ll see who can bring into the squad. I expect a lot of progress from the players based on their experiences from the last years.”
Even then, the club are expected to complete the signings of RB Leipzig star Naby Keita, and Andy Robertson from Hull City to replace Alberto Moreno at left-back. Liverpool are reportedly ready to pay around £60million for the former, while it is believed that an £8million he has been agreed with Hull City for the transfer of Robertson (Mirror).
As the club face difficulty with regard to signing players in this transfer window, a key objective will be to not lose the existing stars. There are growing rumours about Philippe Coutinho being attracted towards the possibility of playing for Barcelona. The Brazilian has also been subjected to interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
Both clubs will not think twice about paying over the odds to sign Coutinho, who has been one of the club’s best players over the last few years. The former Inter Milan youngster seemed like a major gamble when he moved to the club for a £8.5million, but he is now valued at almost 10 times that fee.
Coutinho is entering his sixth campaign with Liverpool. A major reason for the likes of Barcelona and PSG appearing more attractive to the Brazilian is the chance to win major honours. Despite his extended stay at Anfield, Coutinho is yet to lift a major silverware. The upcoming 2017-18 season though, could just provide this element considering that Liverpool will be fighting on four fronts.
