Liverpool’s summer transfer window has reached an interesting juncture. For the first time in several months, there is no imminent deal expected either in or out of Anfield.
That can change quickly, of course, and there are no shortage of reports on the possible deals that could still take place, but nothing is currently advanced. It’s perhaps not surprising that the remarkably fast-paced summer is finally grinding down to the sort of speed Liverpool fans are used to. Twelve transfers (six arrivals, six departures) represents an efficient and slick start to the window from the Reds.
What next then? Well, that will depend on outgoings; Kostas Tsimikas, Harvey Elliott, Ben Doak, Federico Chiesa, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz could all still leave this summer. For now, it’s a waiting game.
After a spending spree of over £170million ($232M), there is a collective need to draw breath before the Reds dip their toe back into the market. A new no.9 is perhaps the most pressing issue among fans, perhaps even the biggest concern heading into the summer, while any departures for Chiesa or Diaz would likely force a reassessment of the squad’s depth in the wide areas.
But recent events have raised questions about Liverpool’s options at center-back. Jarell Quansah’s £35M ($48M) transfer to Bayer Leverkusen leaves Liverpool with just three options at the heart of defense, a number few feel is sufficient to tackle an entire season. Supporters won’t need reminders of the 2020/21 when injuries to Liverpool’s three key defenders forced Fabinho to be regularly deployed as an auxiliary center-back.
Liverpool should take heed of the lessons from its last title defense. Yet the sense in the corridors of power at Anfield is that there is no immediate rush to make major additions in that position.
Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch’s ability to operate in the middle of a back four is partly influencing that tentative approach. Decision-makers at the club also feel that, given the presence of three excellent center-backs in Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez, finding the right profile for a fourth isn’t straightforward.
Jarell Quansah poses in a Bayer Leverkusen shirt after completing his transfer from Liverpool
Jarell Quansah's move to Leverkusen poses plenty of questions for Liverpool's options at center-back (Image: Getty Images)
Marc Guehi is, of course, the name on everyone’s lips, and there is undoubted interest from the Premier League champions, but it will only explore a transfer if that fits into the club’s overarching policy.
At 24, the England international is older than the age Liverpool typically looks at when assessing center-back targets. Konate was 22 when he signed, Sepp van den Berg just 18 and although Van Dijk was 26, as in every facet of his game, the usual rules don’t apply to the Liverpool skipper.
Yet Guehi is viewed as a unique situation. An England international heading into the final year of his contract is a market opportunity Liverpool won’t overlook. He is not the only target being considered, but should an acceptable fee be hashed out between, it’s easy to foresee the Crystal Palace captain making the journey north.
Finances are a factor in Liverpool’s decision making. Suggestions the club plans to spend another £100M+ this window feel wide of the mark, certainly at the stage of the market.
Marc Guehi
Guehi is a player of interest to Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
That could change with further departures, but in terms of center-backs, there is no guarantee that the Reds will make additions.
That Van Dijk turns 34 next week and the uncertain future of Konate will undoubtedly underpin a sense that long-term center-back signings could be needed in the next two summers.
That said, the patchy injury record of Gomez is another significant factor. The 28-year-old has averaged fewer than 10 Premier League starts per season over the last five years.
It’s why, for the first time this summer, there is now a hint of uncertainty in Liverpool and FSG’s summer plans.
Given the club’s record in the market and history of careful manoeuvres, there is certainly no need for panic, especially with two months of the window remaining. However, it’s an intriguing juncture for the Reds, one that requires a more calculated approach.