As the lads said, next year we'll need to replace an aging Salah and repair an aging defense - and perhaps a disillusioned keeper. And replace Fabinho and Hendo. That leaves us with a LOT to fix. And other sides are strengthening. They aren't doing the bare minimum like we are.
If this is it, it's back slappingly underwhelming. They can' claim this is enough. It just isn't. We need Fabs and Hendo to be bench options. They are done as starters.
The Athletic says this is it. No more midfield signings.
" Klopp wanted to sign two multi-functional midfielders capable of providing more energy and creativity to refresh that department following the exits of
James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as free agents. That’s been achieved at a combined cost of around £95million before the start of pre-season, which gets under way with the first wave of returnees to Kirkby on Saturday. No sagas, no fuss; just two release clauses triggered.
Nice’s Khephren Thuram is no longer viewed as a target with Liverpool having ultimately decided that Szoboszlai was the better option given his greater versatility, experience and skill set.
Liverpool could yet move for a young centre-back if the right option becomes available, but they won’t pursue a third midfielder unless one of the current crop leaves.
If you include
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who finished last season in a hybrid role, Klopp currently has nine senior midfield options with Mac Allister, Szoboszlai,
Jordan Henderson,
Fabinho, Thiago,
Stefan Bajcetic,
Curtis Jones and
Harvey Elliott.
It remains to be seen if that situation changes.
Thiago has attracted serious interest from Saudi Arabia and has already turned down one lucrative offer. However, he currently intends to stay put for the final year of his contract.
Henderson has also been linked with a move to Saudi following the appointment of Gerrard at Al Ettifaq, but there’s been no approach so far and Liverpool do not expect to lose their long-serving skipper.
Since wrapping up the signing of Szoboszlai, there has been growing speculation had Liverpool turned their attention to
Southampton’s
Romeo Lavia. He is admired but as things stand they are not pursuing the Belgian defensive midfielder. They do not believe they have a gap to fill currently and they also feel that an asking price of £50million is far too high for a teenager who has only made 17 more senior appearances in his career than Bajcetic.
Despite all the recent noise around Thuram, it is worth noting that Jones and Elliott have been two of the standout performers at the Under-21 European Championship as they prepare for
England’s semi-final with Israel today (Wednesday).
Klopp has been delighted to see them showcase their talent on the international stage and expects them both to kick on again next season.
https://theathletic.com/4665432/202...ansfer-inside-deal/?source=emp_shared_article
