Will Liverpool make any more signings this summer?

Updated: 9 Aug 2021 10:16 BST
6 min read

Ibrahim Konate in pre-season action for Liverpool — © ProShots

After struggling with the effects of an injury-hit season last year, Liverpool still managed to qualify for the Champions League.

And with the return of several key players, they could challenge for the Premier League title once more.

Article continues under the video

Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez have both returned from long-term lay-offs, while the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson are now fully fit.

However, despite the arrival of Ibrahim Konate, who looks like a decent player and will further strengthen their defensive depth, they've not added to the squad.

While Jurgen Klopp's side is filled with talented players, they will stagnate if they don't add quality and depth, just like Chelsea did back in 2015 for example.

However, the German manager has insisted that signing new stars isn't vital this summer.

Speaking after Liverpool's 1-1 pre-season draw with Athletic Bilbao, Klopp hinted that the club could yet add new players to their squad, but he admitted it wasn't crucial to his plans.

"I am very happy with the squad, but it doesn't mean that we don't look at the market.

"But as long as nothing happens, I am more than happy with the squad I have. I am more than happy with the players I have.

"We have so many things that you cannot sign. You cannot sign our counter-pressing, you cannot sign our atmosphere that we create in the stadium, you cannot sign Anfield, you cannot sign our anthem.

"You cannot sign a lot of things and that's what we have to use. There are other approaches out there, obviously, and we have influence on that. Our situation is like it is.

"We have a big squad and there might be something happening until the end of the transfer window, but I cannot say anything about that at the moment."

“We have new signings, we brought three players we couldn’t use last year for most of the season, we have back in the team. We have obviously a new midfielder in our squad with Harvey Elliott.”

Klopp's comments hint that the Reds are scouting out potential options in the market, but a major signing doesn't seem likely, especially as several reported targets have either been signed elsewhere or appear committed to their current clubs; Donyell Malen, and Yves Bissouma spring to mind for those two categories.

Why do Liverpool need to add to their squad?

Georginio Wijnaldum certainly expressed more of his ability for the Netherlands, but he was crucial for ball retention in Klopp's side, and he hasn't yet been replaced. Their central midfield options therefore look fairly threadbare, especially if they suffer injuries again.

Furthermore, while Diogo Jota was an excellent signing last year, they still desperately need to add forward talent. Competing on multiple fronts will already be difficult with their lack of depth, and both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah will miss the whole of January due to their likely involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations.

That means Jota and Roberto Firmino will be joined by one of: Xherdan Shaqiri, Divock Origi or Takumi Minamino, if they are all kept.

In addition to this, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have all massively strengthened this summer, and they look better on paper than Liverpool right now.

City have added Jack Grealish and are still in the hunt for Harry Kane, Man Utd will have bought Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, while Chelsea look set to re-sign Romelu Lukaku for €115m (£97.5m).

Another complication has been added after Andrew Robertson hobbled off injured against Bilbao after a nasty looking ankle injury. It remains to be seen how serious the issue is, but it's likely he'll miss the first few weeks of the season at the very least.

Kostas Tsimakas is yet to make a Premier League start since his €13m (£11m) move from Olympiakos last summer, but he could be relied upon to fill Robertson's boots.

It's a big ask for the Greek left-back, and thus Klopp could look for a short-term fix from a more experienced player. However, that may be unfeasible given the fee spent on Tsimakas, and the fact that Robertson could return to action fairly soon.

But, who should they sign this summer?

Central midfield

They need a Wijnaldum replacement, and desperately. Currently, Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are Klopp's only midfield options; that's perhaps not good enough for a title charge.

The only thing that could save Klopp from needing reinforcements in this position is if Keita continues his pre-season form, and starts playing like he did for RB Leipzig. However, that is a big 'if' and he will also leave for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Saul Niguez, and the aforementioned Bissouma have been the most heavily linked with a move to Anfield, and the Spaniard would be ideal for Klopp. He gets through a bucket load of defensive actions, is competent in possession, and adds a goal threat; he's the perfect candidate.

© ProShots - Could Saul move to Anfield this summer?

With the arrival of Rodrigo de Paul, Saul's minutes will be reduced at Atletico Madrid, and now is the perfect time to swoop. Atleti will reportedly entertain any offers around €40m, which is a great fee for a someone of his quality.

Forward

Both Malen and Patson Daka have moved elsewhere this summer, and that's meant two perfect candidates have slipped through Liverpool's fingers. An alternative could be Celtic's Odsonne Edouard who has long been linked with a move away from Scotland. He has scored 40 goals in 54 league starts since 2019/20, and is ideal for a back-up role at Anfield.

However, one complication would be when Mane and Salah head off to the Africa Cup of Nations. Liverpool need a right-winger, not a striker, as Firmino will play through the middle, with Jota on the left.

Federico Chiesa has therefore been targeted, but he seems out of their price range - and Juventus won't sell anyway - despite being perfect for Klopp's side.

Adama Traore has been linked again, as has Jarrod Bowen, while Domenico Berardi, and Raphinha would be excellent pick-ups.

Either one of those would add depth to Liverpool's side, but Raphinha would certainly be the best. Whether they could pry him away from Leeds is the biggest question, but it's worth a try.

Left-back

This doesn't seem likely. Even with Robertson's injury, Liverpool invested in Tsimakas for a reason, and while a short-term loan for a back-up for the Greek full-back could be feasible, a major signing in this position won't happen.