???️ WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL IN THE TRANSFER MARKET?

With the on again off again Keita and Van Dijk merry-go-round, the transfer window is ticking along. The argument, don’t worry we have so many days left, is running out of steam and the possibility does exist that no more new transfers will be on their way.So let’s talk about the reality of the situation as it stands today. At the end of last season as the celebrations died down after the defeat of Middlesbrough, even the most ardent red was able to point out key areas of the squad that needed work.There was a desire to improve the first team. However, just as importantly there was a need to develop a bigger squad. January and February had proven the need for more bodies in and around the first team. With the demands of two games a week this season that need will become ever more pressing.So far we have brought three players through the doors, which is no mean feat. It is more than United, Arsenal and Spurs. However, there is still a feeling of disgruntlement in many fans. Yet, the three players we have brought in have the ability to add a lot.The difference with and without Mane last season was incredible. The speed, the runs in behind the opposition defence, these were a vital weapon which when lost blunted our attack and title challenge.The signing of Salah means that without Mane we will not be without pace from out wide. Just as importantly, we now have the option to play with a speedster on both wings at the same time.Solanke is a top talent, yes he is for the future but he will allow for us to rest players throughout the year. He is also flexible, available as a wide forward or as a 10, as he proved for England. Even if he is less effective from these positions, this will allow key players to sit out cup games. He offers us options.That brings us to our most recent acquisition in Robertson. James Milner, up until Christmas, was arguably one of the best left backs in the league. However, at 31 he petered out over the second half of the season. Having an option in reserve that isn’t reminiscent of a headless chicken, will offer the opportunity to rest Milner and get the best out of those aging legs.Although valuable assets, an additional three players added, doesn’t cut the mustard. Further reinforcements are needed. The thing is we have them.Without doing anything else in the transfer market Liverpool have expanded the squad. We now have a blooded TAA and Woodburn, together they managed only three premier league starts and nine sub appearances last year, that will almost certainly not be the case this season. The return of a fit Joe Gomez means that we have a forth real Centre Back option who we could choose to keep or loan.The same can be said about Ryan Kent who has impressed during pre-season.Klopp has no fear in bringing through young prospects. He has proved himself throughout his career to be a manager who will put faith in youth. TAA, Woodburn and Kent have made the tour this summer, but that doesn’t discount Ejaria, Brewster, Wilson or someone we can’t even imagine yet, from breaking through this year. This willingness to play youth players has assisted us not just on the pitch but also financially. The signing of Robertson has literally been covered with change from the transfer fees of Kevin Stewart and Brad Smith. Players who in past regimes would have been moved on for £200k to Port Vale.What we therefore have is a strong possibility of a minimum of four additional youth players added to the three new signings. There is even the return of Danny Ings who should be ready to challenge for a place around Christmas. This gives us up to eight new players for 2017/ 18. That is enough bodies, whether those bodies have the quality is a different issue.Yet, what these numbers do mean is that we are able to shop at the peak of the market. We are not looking at a mandatory seven signings in a rebuilding effort as we seemed to annually under Rodgers. We all hope that Keita and Van Dijk will come in. However, for once we can hold out for the top players we want because if we fail at the final hurdle we haven’t the pressure to just go out and grab somebody. This is a positive change and one that can make sure that any player we bring in will significantly improve the first team rather than being another place holder, another Balotelli.So calm down, these big transfers rarely go through until the end of the window. FSG with their bids for Keita, have shown a willingness to back the manager. If the deals can’t be done this summer and no one comes in, maybe Klopp would rather develop existing and youth players then buy stop gaps. This is what we wanted when we brought a manager like Klopp to the club, so let’s not crucify him if he chooses to do it.