ASSESSING LIVERPOOL’S TRANSFER BUSINESS SO FAR

It is now three weeks since Thibaut Courtois’ masterclass helped Real Madrid clinch a record extending 14th Champions League title at the expense of Liverpool. Since that disappointing night, the Reds have moved with swift precision to strengthen their squad.

It is this decisiveness in the transfer market that has seen Liverpool’s recruitment team become a leading light across Europe. Several sporting directors and club chairmen have publicly admitted Liverpool’s blueprint is a template they’re trying to follow.

It is no wonder why. The Reds’ new sporting director Julian Ward, in his very first summer in charge, has led the way in securing three new signings with two weeks to go before pre-season even commences. It has been no easy feat either.

Many an observer have called this Liverpool side the best version they’ve ever witnessed. It takes some doing to try and improve on what is already an incredible squad. Add in Sadio Mané’s departure to Bayern Munich and this is no straightforward window.

Sadio was a crucial fixture in the side for the best part of six years and leaves a rich legacy behind. The task of replacing him is no easy one. It makes it even more impressive just how swiftly the club has conducted it’s business regarding incomings.

Similar to deals for the likes of Konaté and Fabinho in previous windows, Liverpool have wrapped up three key signings in double quick time. The areas of need have been mostly been addressed and the club can now spend the rest of the window looking out for any further opportunities.

A backup right back that offers an athletic and attacking outlet, check. A creative midfielder that can offer goals, creativity and penetration from a central position, check. An out and out striker that can offer something different to the array of wide forwards, check.

Calvin Ramsey, Fabio Carvalho and Darwin Nunez were all secured by 19th June. At ages 18, 19 and 22 respectively, they point to a concerted effort to lower the average age of the squad. They set the club back to the tune of £73m upfront, with a further £26.1m in add-ons.

The club also tried to reinforce in central midfield, but their attempts to sign Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni proved futile as the French midfielder opted for Real Madrid. Attentions have since switched to Borussia Dortmund hotshot Jude Bellingham.

With the German club uninterested in doing a deal this summer, the Reds are reportedly prepared to wait for their preferred target. This has seen Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain handed a lifeline, with reports now suggesting the 28 year old is set to stay.

Liverpool are determined to stick to their guns no matter the criticism they cop from fans or pundits. It is this utter trust and belief in their strategy that has aided the Reds in competing against clubs with far deeper pockets.

It seems that is that for incomings this window, with the club now focusing on outgoings. A fee has been agreed with AS Monaco for Takumi Minamino, whilst Neco Williams and Nat Phillips are also attracting interest.

Whether the outgoings cause the club to dip into the market once more remains to be seen. As it stands, all three new signings will report on the first day of pre-season as Jürgen Klopp puts them through their paces and integrates them into his system.

It has once again been a summer of steady chess moves as Liverpool continue to show stability on and off the pitch. That is in stark contrast to the current upheaval and uncertainty at some rival clubs.