Liverpool made just one signing during the 2021/22 summer transfer window. The Reds brought defender Ibrahima Konaté from RB Leipzig for £36 million at the beginning of the window.
However, Jurgen Klopp also let some former first-team players leave throughout the summer. Most notably, midfielder Gigi Wijnaldum left on a free transfer in July, while squad player Xherdan Shaqiri signed for Lyon in August.
Liverpool may have been expected to sign more high-profile players in the summer window, especially with players like Wijnaldum and Shaqiri departing Anfield and freeing up space in the squad. So, why did Klopp decide to sign just one player during this transfer window?
Returning Players from Last Season
One of the main factors in Liverpool’s demise last season occurred when they lost key first-team players to injury for long spells. Vital players from previous seasons were ruled out early in the 2020/21 campaign, hindering the Reds’ domestic and European progress.
Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, Diogo Jota and Jordan Henderson were all ruled out with long-term injuries at some stage last season. The omission of these players saw Liverpool drop as low as eighth mid-way through last season. Only a late revival in the final 10 matches helped the Reds to finish third eventually.
With so many first-team players returning to the squad from injury, Klopp will feel he has enough depth and quality to be competitive this season. The returning players will almost feel like new signings, and Liverpool will represent a good option to remain in the title race throughout the season for a Bet on Football.
But, with Konaté, Klopp also added more depth to his defence that was badly affected by injury last season. Klopp relied on unproven defender Ozan Kabak and young players Rhys Williams and Nathan Phillips. Defensive midfielder Fabinho also filled in at central defence on occasion. The arrival of Konaté will provide more experience in Liverpool’s backline to contend with even the most harmful of injury crises in this area.
Klopp’s Faith in Liverpool’s Young Players
Klopp has a history of handing young players opportunities in the first team at Anfield. Trent Alexander Arnold, in particular, has benefited from Klopp’s leadership. The full-back has become a vital player at Anfield, making 182 appearances for the Reds since his debut in 2017.
Last season, Liverpool also fielded several young players regularly and gave them more first-team minutes and challenges in the first team. Partly, this was due to the deep injury crisis at the club, but some young players have excelled enough to remain in the first team during the early stages of the 2021/22 campaign.
18-year-old Harvey Elliott is one of the players making a breakthrough at Anfield this season. The midfielder has played a part in the opening three matches of the season and started two of these fixtures. He has shown composure and ability to perform for Liverpool and showcased his talent in the Championship last season. Elliott scored seven goals and assisted 11 in 41 appearances for Blackburn in the 2019/20 campaign, and he has been rewarded with a first-team place this season.
Other young players set to benefit from Klopp’s trust this season include 20-year-olds Neco Williams and Curtis Jones. Welsh international Williams made 14 starts for the Reds in the 2019/20 season, while Jones made 34 appearances. The duo are likely to play backup roles in the 2020/21 campaign, with Liverpool well covered in midfield and Alexander Arnold the first choice right-back (Williams natural position). However, with first-team experience already, Klopp will be aware that he has ample backup in these areas with young players coming through.
No Need to Replace Outgoing Players
Liverpool largely retained their key first-team players for the 2021/22 campaign. The only major outgoing players were Shaqiri and Wijnaldum. Some youngsters like Harry Wilson and Taiwo Awoniyi also departed the club during the summer window.
Despite the loss of some first-team players, there was no need for Klopp to overhaul his squad with new signings ahead of the 2021/22 season. He has plenty of depth in all areas of the pitch. Also, the players who returned from injury early this season will bring additional competition and quality back into the first team.
Only purchasing Konaté during the transfer window shows how Klopp is making shrewd signings for the future. Konaté is only 22-years-old and is likely to get first-team football this season, whilst providing a useful backup to van Dijk, Matip and Gomez. Furthermore, Liverpool have been among the lowest spenders towards the top of the Premier League in recent years, and a signing like Konaté fits in the club’s transfer policy.
Furthermore, Klopp is seemingly content with his options this season and happy to rely on young players coming through the club to replace experienced outgoing players, such as Shaqiri and Wijnaldum.
