Liverpool still need more if Jurgen Klopp is to win major trophies again

Liverpool endured a hugely disappointing 2022/23 campaign. After years of success under Jurgen Klopp that saw them battle it out with Manchester City for the title, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup along the way, last season came as a shock to everyone. Suddenly, the Reds looked tired and lethargic in midfield, unimaginative in attack and vulnerable in defence.

At one stage last season, Liverpool languished down in 8th position in the table. They managed to put a string of decent results together during the closing weeks but missed out on Champions League qualification, finishing fifth and having to settle for the Europa League. Klopp knew he had to fix their issues, and fix them quickly. So it was no surprise to see Liverpool acting swiftly in the transfer market this summer.

Most fans would agree that central midfield was Liverpool’s major weakness last season. Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara have all been fine players throughout their distinguished careers, but their best days are behind them. Fabinho looked leggy last season and will turn 30 soon, while Henderson [33] and Thiago [32] are also coming towards the end of their careers so Klopp needed upgrades.

Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner have all left Anfield upon the expiration of their contracts so three midfielders have gone. Liverpool do have young talents such as Curtis Jones and Stefan Bajcetic, but while both players have bright futures ahead of them, Klopp knows he needs more established named to reply upon if he’s to bring the glory days back to Liverpool.

A midfield overhaul was required this summer and the Reds wasted no time in adding some much-needed creativity to their squad. They acted fast to beat off competition from several other clubs to secure the signing of Alexis MacAllister from Brighton. Liverpool took full advantage of a £35m release clause in the Argentinean internationals contract and that should prove to be one of the bargains of the summer. MacAllister has been excellent since joining Brighton and he contributed 12 goals and 2 assists in his 40 appearances last season. That’s the sort of creativity and goal threat Liverpool desperately lacked at time last season so MacAllister will be a welcome addition to Klopp’s squad.

At 24, he’s also the perfect age as he’s experienced enough to be a first team regular but also has his best years ahead of him. MacAllister has also showcased his talent at international level after playing a key role in helping Argentina win the World Cup last year. Overall, the move was a no brainer for Liverpool and MacAllister should be a terrific signing.

Depth

Liverpool didn’t stop there, as they moved quickly after securing MacAllister to agree a deal for Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig. The Reds tried to negotiate a deal with the German’s but they refused to let the attacking midfielder leave for anything less than his £52m release clause – which had to be activated by the end of June. Liverpool triggered it on the 30th June and wrapped-up a deal to bring Szoboszlai to Anfield.

The Hungarian international is also an attack-minded midfielder who will add creativity to the Liverpool squad. He mainly operates in the middle but can play from either wing, so he’ll give Klopp options. Szoboszlai provided 10 goals and 13 assists in 46 games for Leipzig last season, so he will also bring some crucial threat in the final third. At 22, he’s also coming into the prime of his career and could play for Liverpool for the next decade, so the £52m could be well spent if he settles in England.

Szoboszlai and MacAllister will hopefully solve Liverpool’s creative issues in midfield and they will provide Klopp with valuable depth in that department. However, the German coaches overhaul in midfield may not be over just yet. Widespread reports suggest that Liverpool are still in the market for another defensive midfielder as they want more competition for Fabinho.

Kephrem Thuram emerged as the early top target after impressing at Nice last season. However, Klopp wanted to keep his options open and wasn’t convinced the young Frenchman is ready for Premier League football. Gabri Veiga has also been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool and he has an attractive £32m release clause. However, several other clubs such as Man City and Chelsea are showing an interest.

The latest name to be linked is Romeo Lavia – who starred for Southampton last season. The 19-year-old was excellent in midfield and will leave the Saints after they were relegated to the Championship. Liverpool have reportedly held talks with Lavia’s representatives to discuss a move this summer but competition for his signature is fierce. Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd are also chasing the youngster so Southampton are hoping to create a bidding war that would see them receive at least £40m.

Another attacker?

There have also been reports suggesting that Klopp is on the look out for another attacker. Roberto Firmino has left Liverpool this summer and it appears a replacement is needed. Several players have been linked with a move to Anfield but a surprise name emerged last week after shock reports claimed Liverpool were in talks to sign Kylian Mbappe.

The French superstar appears to be forcing a move away from PSG this summer as he has only one year left on his contract and has made it clear he won’t be signing an extension. PSG say they will sell him if he doesn’t sign a new deal and a report said Liverpool are willing to pay around £170m! Obviously Mbappe would be a sensational signing for any club, but it’s highly unlikely Liverpool can afford to pay that kind of money on top of the HUGE wages the Frenchman would want.

If Liverpool are to sign another forward this summer, I think it’s more likely to be an upcoming player who’ll cost in the region of £20m-£40m, but Klopp may also feel he has enough attacking players at his disposal.

The one other area the German may want to strengthen is in defence. A versatile player who can play right-back or centre-back could add some depth to the defensive set-up so that’s worth keeping an eye on over the coming weeks.

If Liverpool could sign Lavia and another defender, then their squad would be in good shape heading into the new season. Fans are already buying tickets on Seatsnet for their Premier League opener against Chelsea on August 13th as they expect a much stronger campaign from the Reds. However, excitement levels and expectations will go through the roof if Klopp can bring in a few more top quality signings.