The new top-flight campaign has arrived, and for Liverpool it signifies the genuine beginning of the Andoni Iraola era.
Yet a growing number of Reds supporters are uneasy about the absence of recruitment at Anfield, with considerably more attention directed toward departures than arrivals.
Questions were put to our Liverpool FC Correspondent Paul Gorst, who provided the following responses:
Scott asks: I think we’ll require two midfielders if Curtis Jones departs. Do you see that happening?
I concur that Liverpool need at least one central-midfield addition with Curtis now on the verge of an Inter switch.
As things stand, he’s scheduled to undergo a medical in the Italian city ahead of a £30m transfer. My honest assessment is that nothing further will be done in that area.
Unless a ‘market opportunity’ presents itself in the closing stages of the window – similar to how the Marc Guehi deal nearly materialised at the 11th hour last year – I expect Liverpool to increasingly integrate Trey Nyoni into the senior setup.
That said, I’m not convinced Nyoni will prove ‘like a new signing’ given he was available for selection throughout last season under Arne Slot, though he has shown promising form during pre-season preparations.
Nevertheless, my personal view is that Liverpool require at least one experienced midfielder before the window shuts, now that Jones is departing.
Iraola appears to favour a two-man central pairing rather than a three-man configuration, but that doesn’t mean Liverpool can afford to lose someone like Jones without a backup plan.
Benjamin Owusu Ampomah asks: When will we sign a defensive midfielder like Manu Kone?
The discussion surrounding Liverpool’s requirement for a ‘DM’ has persisted for considerable time.
Indeed, since Fabinho’s dramatic decline at the beginning of the 22/23 season. At his peak, the Brazilian was among the finest in his position but the Reds haven’t possessed that type of player for years.
There’s a counterargument that they don’t require one, suggesting that dominating possession reduces defensive workload, in the way PSG excel with Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves.
But examining who claimed the honours in England last term… both Arsenal and Manchester City possessed the steel of Declan Rice and Rodri in their respective midfields.
Liverpool have pursued and missed out on signing a more resolute defensive-midfield option for years, including Moises Caicedo and Martin Zubimendi within the past three years alone.
Despite this, I remain sceptical they’ll resolve the issue before the window closes.
Orrin Thompson asks: How concerned are you that the club may have left it too late to conduct necessary transfer business?
It’s a valid worry. Liverpool have been engaged in discussions with PSG regarding Bradley Barcola for several weeks, yet this sought-after winger – whom Andoni Iraola admitted a month ago he hoped would arrive – remains no closer to signing.
In my view, they require two additions, particularly if Cody Gakpo departs for Tottenham Hotspur. That’s before even considering the midfield situation.
You could poll 10 supporters on how many signings Liverpool need and I’d wager none would claim the squad is adequate as is. The final days must prove busy on that front.
Marcus Vinícius asks: What’s your read on the Cody Gakpo situation? Is he set to leave or not?
Tottenham maintain clear interest and Gakpo isn’t the type to cause disruption, force a move or behave unprofessionally to facilitate an exit.
Nonetheless, there’s understandable disquiet within Gakpo’s circle regarding Liverpool potentially breaking their transfer record for a player occupying his primary position.
Liverpool maintain they’re not seeking to sell and insist that wide attacking areas are where they’re aiming to strengthen.
Yet a substantial offer from Spurs would surely demand consideration. Iraola requires at least one winger regardless, and that’s before entertaining speculation about Gakpo departing.
At some juncture, the speculation about exits must cease and arrivals must materialise.
jpwred316 asks: How many signings do you anticipate before the window shuts?
That’s tricky to quantify. If pressed on what they need, I’d suggest a minimum of three.
A midfielder following Curtis Jones’s exit and a pair of wide forwards, ideally one capable of operating centrally too, given Hugo Ekitike remains unavailable.
Liverpool are one Alexander Isak injury away from serious problems. Should Gakpo leave, I believe they’d require three forwards plus a midfielder. Yet I don’t anticipate Liverpool being that proactive.
Discounting the £60m previously agreed in January for Jeremy Jacquet, Liverpool are roughly level on expenditure this summer, having sanctioned a £30m deal for Curtis Jones after bringing in Victor Munoz for £34.5m.
Last summer’s record investment must be factored in, but with Champions League qualification at stake, sufficient funds should exist to provide Iraola with the squad needed to progress.
Carolyn asks: How do you anticipate this Barcola situation unfolding?
Reports indicate Barcola is genuinely enthusiastic about becoming a key component of Liverpool’s squad, so that groundwork is complete.
However, negotiating with a club like PSG – already among football’s wealthiest following consecutive Champions League successes – creates complications.
Liverpool have therefore needed to remain patient throughout the summer and this could extend into the closing days. I believe he becomes a Liverpool player but the question is at what cost?
PSG have strengthened their ranks now with signings of Ferran Torres, Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts, so surely Barcola alongside team-mate Ibrahim Mbaye must be deemed surplus to requirements?