Klopp needs to do some big business this summer if Liverpool are going to be a serious title threat

and just needed to add a touch more creativity – but bought two keepers instead. The next summer after I left it was even worse, with the famous signings of El Hadji Diouf, Salif Diao and Bruno Cheyrou. Every time it seemed to be the same, two steps forward, then a spectacular leap back. Which is why this summer could be pivotal for Liverpool. I’ll be blunt about it – everyone in football knows Jurgen Klopp’s first XI is as good as any, there is no denying that. But beyond the team, the squad is a bit threadbare. I won’t say weak, because that’s an injustice to the lads in the squad, but the reality is, to challenge for the title they need to sign more players who can take them up to that next level. They are close. I really feel that. But with all their main rivals spending big, they have to be perfect in the transfer market this summer or it will be another lost opportunity. For all those fans who are clinging on to every single rumour, every apparent triumph or failure, then I reckon I can offer hope, because what has come out of Anfield so far makes me feel they realise that within the club too. I know there has been criticism for the apparent interest in Kylian Mbappe. Of course Real Madrid are overwhelming favourites to sign him, but even if it’s a massive long shot it sends out a message that Liverpool are serious. They haven’t spent much money in the past few seasons, just broke even really. Now they have gone out and spent a club-record fee on Mohamed Salah – and immediately made clear that is not the sum of their ambition.

I think in the past few summers, they’ve been hamstrung by the lack of Champions’ League football. Look at how many players they’ve been in for, only to see them go elsewhere.

Now they’ve got it, and the way they are offering an alternative if Mbappe doesn’t want to go to Madrid, shows they have the money to back up their mouth.

What they have to do is translate that into signings who will make a difference. Of course Mbappe would, but being realistic, they need a centre-half, maybe a full-back and more strength in midfield.

Virgil van Dijk (left) would be a big statement, especially after the, shall we say, ‘misunderstanding’ earlier in the summer. If they could pull it off now, it would be huge.

It remains to be seen if this will be another summer when they make the wrong choices… or one when they finally nail it.

Salah is a good start. He looks like a signing where they’ve listened to what the manager wants, and actually gone and signed that type of player. Now for the rest.