Reds happy to fight for their places
LIVERPOOL’S stars will not be fretting over their futures just because of a summer of spending from the Reds.
That is because they want to see the Anfield hierarchy go big in the transfer market to give them some muchneeded depth heading into the new season. So they will be delighted with the club’s transfer business so far.
Liverpool have splashed out £43.7million on defensive midfielder Fabinho from Monaco and £13m on Stoke’s Xherdan Shaqiri.
The Reds are also closing in on a world-record £66.8m move for Roma goalkeeper Alisson, while £52m midfielder Naby Keita has joined the club after a deal was agreed with Red Bull Leipzig last summer.
Manager Jurgen Klopp now has options in most positions but, despite that, he has no concerns his current crop are now worried about losing their places as they bid to chase down Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
Liverpool were down to the bare bones as injuries hit when they were gunning for Champions League glory and a top-four place last season.
Klopp said yesterday: “The team and squad are in a really good moment. We had the situation last season where we had 12 first-team players fit and they know we need the depth in the squad.
“It is not like they say, ‘Bring in another midfielder, why? We are all still here’.
“They know we need the quality and they know that if we win something here then we will win it with 25 players. That is exactly how we feel.”
Klopp is expected to make Alisson the final piece in the jigsaw, with a deal for Lyon forward Nabil Fekir now highly unlikely.
Brazilian Alisson will replace Loris Karius as the Reds’ new No1 but it is understood no further signings will be made unless something drastically changes.
Liverpool made their summer signings with the full knowledge of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain being unlikely to feature in the upcoming campaign.
Klopp is also encouraged by the fact that Liverpool have not had a summer of uncertainty over any of their major stars.
In recent years, Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling have opted to leave, while Philippe Coutinho tried to go on the eve of last season, only to then depart in January.
This summer, Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah penned a new five-year deal amid interest from Real Madrid, while Brazilian star Roberto Firmino also committed to a longterm contract. Klopp said: “There was always a lot of change but in both directions. Now it is more in one direction. That is clear.
“Big teams, successful teams, if you don’t buy it, you have to build it.
“That means stay together, bring additions in and make the next step. That is how it is.”
SPORT IN BRIEF