Liverpool’s Big Transfer Window: What to Expect
Introduction
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp promised a big transfer window back in February and the Reds are now gearing up for a summer of change both on and off the field. With four members of their all-conquering squad already departed, and a second sporting director stepping down in the space of 12 months, Liverpool are looking to make some smart signings to ensure they can take plenty of optimism into the new campaign.
Midfield Matters and Plan B
Midfield remains the priority right now, despite recent links with defenders and even forward players. Klopp knows his side needs an injection of legs, energy and technical quality in the middle of the park, and having lost four senior options there already this summer, there is a need for numbers too. Liverpool have abandoned their pursuit of Jude Bellingham in the spring, and have been disappointed to have been told by Mason Mount that he would prefer a switch to Manchester United not long after. This has forced them to move down their list of targets. Khephren Thuram is certainly a player Liverpool like, and is the one who has been linked most strongly of late. The same applies with Ryan Gravenberch of Bayern Munich, Gabri Veiga of Celta Vigo and Manu Kone of Gladbach.
No Forward – But Chiesa Was Considered
There are no plans, as things stand, to add an attacker to the ranks, despite links with the Juventus and Italy star Federico Chiesa this week. Chiesa was a player Liverpool looked at closely a few years ago, but that ship has well and truly sailed. The Reds signed Cody Gakpo in January knowing there was a chance Roberto Firmino would leave, and are more than happy with their options for now.
Trent’s Role – and Other Business
What about a potential right-back addition? The Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment is likely to continue into pre-season, and Liverpool have already allowed his young understudy, Calvin Ramsay, to leave on loan as well as losing last season’s deputy James Milner. Conor Bradley will report for pre-season after a brilliant campaign with Bolton, but is a year in League One enough to prepare a young player for what Liverpool need?
Regarding outgoings, the most significant news concerns Fabio Carvalho, who is joining RB Leipzig on a season-long loan. Liverpool rejected the German club’s offer for a permanent transfer and, as is club policy, refused to include a buy option in the loan deal too. There is still a belief that the 20-year-old can make a career on Merseyside, but for now he needs to go and play regular football. Others who could potentially depart include Nat Phillips and Caoimhin Kelleher.
Conclusion
Liverpool are looking to make some smart signings to ensure they can take plenty of optimism into the new campaign. Midfield remains the priority right now, with Khephren Thuram and Ryan Gravenberch being linked most strongly of late. There are no plans to add an attacker to the ranks, but there is scope for something to happen in terms of defensive signings. Regarding outgoings, Fabio Carvalho is joining RB Leipzig on a season-long loan while Nat Phillips and Caoimhin Kelleher could potentially depart. Jurgen Klopp promised a big transfer window back in February and Liverpool are now gearing up for a summer of change both on and off the field.