Phil Thompson believes that Liverpool still require several more signings throughout the squad in the final fortnight of the transfer window.
This summer has been far quieter than last in terms of incomings at Anfield, with only three new additions for the Reds – one of whom is on loan (Ronald Araujo) and one for whom the deal was agreed six months ago (Jeremy Jacquet).
The Merseysiders have lost three first-team regulars in Mo Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate since the end of last season, and Andoni Iraola will be without a few long-term injury absentees for the foreseeable future.
Thompson: Liverpool still need 4-5 more signings
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Thompson urged Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes to turbo-charge the Reds’ summer transfer window over the next two weeks until the market shuts for the rest of the year.
The legendary former LFC captain said: “I still think we need four, maybe five players in different positions. Defensively certainly, maybe a midfield player, certainly a wide player, because you need two quality players for every position. I still think there’s work to be done.”
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Thompson unlikely to get his wish this late in the transfer window
Most Liverpool fans would likely agree with Thompson’s view, with concerns over depth in a few parts of Iraola’s squad.
Right-back remains an area of uncertainty with Conor Bradley sidelined, while the pre-season losses to Leeds and Monaco highlighted the need for a specialist defensive midfielder. Then there’s the attack, which looks threadbare at centre-forward with Hugo Ekitike out and also on the right flank.
The forward line seems to be the priority for Hughes at present, with LFC continuing to pursue a double raid on Paris Saint-Germain for Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, which could amount to an outlay of around £170m if both deals come off.
The final days of the transfer window can often throw up surprises, with incomings and outgoing emerging out of the blue to get done in a comparative flash, but at the moment it’s nigh-on impossible to envisage Thompson getting his wish of four or five more signings at Anfield.
We anticipate at least one of the PSG attackers to come to Liverpool, but we’re more hopeful than expectant about further arrivals before the deadline on 1 September.
The defence now has five central defenders, although two are still injured. There’s probably enough cover at right back until Bradley comes back.
The midfield has five players when Jones is sold.
We should have four wingers by the time the transfer window closes.
I would still expect Elliott and Chiesa to be sold.
You could argue that the squad now has enough depth, cover in every position. Quantity but is there enough quality, especially if there’s injuries to key players.
Wirtz and Isak now need to step up and justify their big transfer fees. If Iraola can tighten the defence he’s got a chance. If the defending is the same as last season he won’t last long.
My guess is they get in Barcola and maybe Mbaye or keep Gakpo and next season they will go for Olise now with Real most likely out of the picture due to Diomande.
Then you have a forward line of Barcola/Rio/Munoz, Isak/Ekitike, Olise/Mbaye/Munoz.
I’m sure they will sort central midfield next year with one top quality signing and then we’re backing having one of the best teams in the world by far once midfield consists of Grav/Szob/Maca/Wirtz + another (maybe Nyoni, who knows). Defence of Bradley, Leoni, JJ, Kerkez. That team can compete with and beat with everyone. It’s unrealistic to think they can sign all of the required players now. It’s clear they spend money if they think it’s worth it and clearly they don’t see a midfield option that is that much better than we already have. Let’s see but exciting times ahead if Isak/Wirtz/Barcola/Rio click up top with Grav and Szob behind running the show. 🤞