Expectations are high amongst Liverpool supporters that the Reds can challenge for the Premier League title and Champions League trophy once more next season. However, excitement for Liverpool’s offseason transfer market work has hit a lull. The Reds have made just one transfer signing with 17-year-old centre-back Sepp van den Berg arriving from PEC Zwolle for £1.3 million.
Liverpool have been linked with a number of high-profile players including Nicolas Pepe, Bruno Fernandes, and Ousmane Dembele. But with the transfer window closing on August 8th, Liverpool’s transfer market strategy looks to have shifted.
Young talent and promotion from within
Van den Berg’s signing is another example of Klopp identifying promising young talent. The 6ft 5in centre-back played 15 times in the Eredivisie for PEC Zwolle last term. Van den Berg helped PEC Zwolle secure 1.07 points per match in the heart of the team’s defence.
The Reds are also set to sign Fulham midfielder Harvey Elliott as they beat out competition from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Elliott is yet another young player manager Jurgen Klopp has identified as a must-have and is claimed to be an exciting prospect. Elliott debuted for Fulham last season as a 16-year-old and will depart Craven Cottage to join the Reds.
No need to be worried
Liverpool supporters have shown worry over the team’s lack of transfer purchases. But as Alex Mansfield posted on Twitter (https://twitter.com/el_mansfield/status/1146442756044152832), Liverpool’s best work has come after July 3rd in recent years.
The Reds’ purchase of Fabinho last summer was an outlier of recent purchases. According to reports, the Reds are working on a number of potential transfers. Sporting Lisbon’s Bruno Fernandes, Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos, and even former Paris Saint-Germain full-back Dani Alves are being linked to the Reds.
Liverpool could potentially have £150m to spend on transfers this summer. To obtain star players late in the transfer window, Klopp may need all of that cash to lure them to Anfield.
The need for a left-back
Left-back Alberto Moreno has already left the club. He is set to sign for Spain’s Villarreal. Moreno played in just five matches for Liverpool last term averaging just 68.8 minutes per match. Although Moreno was rarely used by Klopp, he had a place as Andrew Robertson’s backup.
Liverpool are now without a backup for Robertson forcing Klopp to use James Milner at left-back once more in an emergency. Joe Gomez can also be used in the backup left-back role although he is better at centre-back and right-back.
The Reds do need an additional left-back but Klopp could promote from within. Liverpool have the likes of Tony Gallacher, Anderson Arroyo, and Adam Lewis in the under-23 team. Gallacher, who signed from Falkirk in 2018, is wanted by teams back in Scotland. He could get a chance with the first-team this term or be loaned out.
Arroyo is a 19-year-old Colombian who spent last season on loan to Belgium’s Gent following a loan-spell at La Liga Segunda club Mallorca. Arroyo is a defender Klopp is said to be “watching closely”. Could he be the main promoted to backup Robertson?
Liverpool still have time to put together their team for next term. Klopp’s side may not need much tinkering and the manager may refrain from making too many additions.
