KOP NEED TOP MARQUEE SIGNING

I KNOW Liverpool are concentrating hard on securing their stars on long contracts – but I’d be amazed if they don’t make an eye-catching signing before the window closes.

It’s a big season for them after the injury-ravaged disappointment last time around.

And I think they do need to make a statement.

Don’t get me wrong, to have players like Alisson, Fabinho (left) and the rest signed up until 2026 and beyond is massive. I think they will get Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk to agree new deals too – and that’s the basis for a fabulous team.

But players don’t live in bubbles. They can see what’s happening elsewhere, they see their rivals making signings they know will make a difference – and they want their own club to do the same.

When I was playing, it was always like that. You want signings... but not in your position! But even then it can have a positive effect.

I’ve had it several times where my manager has brought in a direct rival to me, often a player of top quality.

It can spur you on, give you that extra competitive edge, remove any complacency that you’re an automatic choice.

If Liverpool have an injury-free season, they won’t be far away from the top. But, as I’ve said, not signing players means you’re going backwards these days.

Especially when others are signing proven Premier League performers.

Centre-back Ibrahima Konate (inset) is a good signing, but one for the future. He’ll add depth and can develop, but I think Liverpool do need someone who can come in and make a difference for them.

They’ve lost Wijnaldum, who was a key player, and signing a top player to replace him would be massive.