Liverpool has signed some excellent players this summer, with Bradley Barcola arriving earlier this week — but there are major risks being taken in key areas too
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.(Image: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
There is a legitimate argument that Liverpool ends this summer transfer window in a stronger place than it started. The context is that it was starting from a relatively low bar.
Take each of the players that Liverpool has signed: Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz have bolstered the forward line, replacing a version of Mohamed Salah who scored just 12 goals last term. Out wide, the Reds should be better off now, albeit not perfectly balanced, especially after the decision was made to keep Cody Gakpo.
At the back, though it is early, Jeremy Jacquet could feasibly be an upgrade on Ibrahima Konate, another who, for various reasons, really struggled last season. Jacquet's in-possession work is already better, even if he lacks experience.
Another center-back, Ronald Araujo, adds depth, and if his move doesn't work out for whatever reason, there is no obligation to purchase him permanently.
In time, Giovanni Leoni will return, but the arrival of Barcelona's captain means he doesn't need to be pressured.
Each of the additions are ideal for what Iraola wants — Barcola and Munoz add pace, dribbling and quality out wide, for instance, which is exactly what the Spaniard demands — but there simply are not enough bodies.
Bradley Barcola in the Anfield tunnel.
Bradley Barcola in the Anfield tunnel.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
It is reasonable to think that players like Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister should be much improved on last season, and Trey Nyoni is set for a big role, but Liverpool arguably looks light in midfield.
The case can be made for signing a number six, but Liverpool's recruitment team might dispute the need.
After all, the decision was made to hand new deals to Gravenberch (at the end of last season) and Dominik Szoboszlai (earlier this summer) for a reason.
Without question, though, Liverpool is short of a central attacking option and a right-back. Alexander Isak is the only fit number nine at the moment, which is arguably even more glaring an issue than the lack of a right-sided attacker.
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Hugo Ekitike has a long-term injury and that is not a new development. Ismaila Sarr is one who could have played a bit down the middle, but Crystal Palace was desperate to keep him.
Iraola admitted himself that he wanted more than one player through the door last week. Since then, only Barcola has arrived, and, as a result, Liverpool looks stronger in some places and weaker in others.
Should injuries be kind, then it will be fine, but that seems unlikely. And there will be a big emphasis on what happens on the training field in terms of what Iraola can provide.
Those who Liverpool did sign summer are perfect additions. The problem is there almost certainly wasn't enough of them.