Jamie Redknapp has defended Liverpool's transfer business after supporters were left frustrated by the club's decision not to strengthen certain areas of the squad
Sky pundit Jamie Redknapp ahead of the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park on May 10, 2022 in Birmingham, United Kingdom
Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has justified the clubs transfer window(Image: Getty Images)
Jamie Redknapp believes Liverpool was right to stick to its transfer stance and persist with the squad it currently has, despite fan backlash over the lack of signings at the end of the transfer window.
The Reds had a quiet summer in comparison to 12 months ago, with just a handful of new additions through the door. While Liverpool did secure its primary target and marquee signing in Bradley Barcola, many supporters spent the summer arguing that other areas, most notably right back, have been neglected by the club's hierarchy.
With Conor Bradley sidelined until at least the end of this year, potentially into 2027, Jeremie Frimpong is the only senior right back available to new head coach Andoni Iraola. The Dutchman has endured plenty of injury problems of his own and is yet to truly convince in the position, resulting in the clamor for change.
READ MORE: Andoni Iraola explains Bradley Barcola decision as Liverpool takes extra 'precaution'
It appears Iraola is also yet to be convinced by Frimpong as, despite starting the opening two games against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, he has been dropped for center back Ronald Araujo for the team's trip to Ipswich Town on Friday evening. While many may argue that's a sign not enough was done in the transfer window, former Liverpool midfielder Redknapp has argued otherwise, while also aiming a swipe at bitter rival Manchester United.
“I can see why they didn’t,” he said pre-match on Sky Sports. “Unless you’re going to buy someone who will definitely improve you.
“Why waste the money? I think about, as an example. Manchester United. They’ve spent so much money in transfer windows, but they’ve still ended up with Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.
“The money [spent] in that period hasn’t worked. I think you have to give the club a bit of patience here.
Jeremie Frimpong of Liverpool during a preseason friendly
Jeremie Frimpong is looking to improve on what was an injury-riddled campaign(Image: Photo by Lewis Storey - Danehouse/Getty Images)
“Barcola was an elite signing and should hit the ground running. It might not be this window, it might be the next window.
“If the players aren’t available, there’s no point getting ones that aren’t going to be better than what you’ve [already] got. Now, I think Frimpong at right back doesn’t quite work for me, but we’ve got to be patient, we’re so quick to judge teams and managers.”
Liverpool will be hoping to secure its first win of the campaign at Portman Road, having drawn its first two matches. Then, a big week awaits with the start of the Champions League and the visit of Atletico Madrid, before a home clash against Fulham on Saturday.
Barcola will likely make his Reds debut over those games, although his place on the bench at Ipswich means Iraola is erring on the side of caution with his new recruit. That said, supporters will hope the Frenchman is able to enjoy a lightning start to justify what had otherwise been a very underwhelming summer.