Well, Klopp delivered a top-4 finish and a return to the Champions League in season two. It may have been a little nervy towards the end, but that's all in the past. Now there's money to spend!
The squad's biggest shortcoming last season was depth, especially among the attackers where any combination other than the Fab 4 - Countinho, Firmino, Mane, & Lallana - struggled to break down defenses, particularly against smaller sides that parked the bus at Anfield. And for the second half of the season, the Liverpool bench was largely a bunch of teenagers chaperoned by Loris Karius. Building up squad depth for a more congested schedule is Klopp's top priority.
To that end, there's a small group of significant names routinely tied to Liverpool so far: Van Dijk, Salah, Brandt, Keita, Lacazette, & Sessegnon. It's an ambitious list, but one that addresses all of the positions:
The squad's biggest shortcoming last season was depth, especially among the attackers where any combination other than the Fab 4 - Countinho, Firmino, Mane, & Lallana - struggled to break down defenses, particularly against smaller sides that parked the bus at Anfield. And for the second half of the season, the Liverpool bench was largely a bunch of teenagers chaperoned by Loris Karius. Building up squad depth for a more congested schedule is Klopp's top priority.
To that end, there's a small group of significant names routinely tied to Liverpool so far: Van Dijk, Salah, Brandt, Keita, Lacazette, & Sessegnon. It's an ambitious list, but one that addresses all of the positions:
- Attack - Holding onto Coutinho is job #1 (if the Barcelona rumors are true). I'm sure Klopp will work the phones hard to find Sturridge a new home, but who will bite given the possible wages? I also wouldn't be surprised if Origi moved on. He's very talented, but I'm not sure he has the legs or passing to fit Liverpool's system; he could be very successful as a lone striker on a counter-attack minded side. Bringing in Lacazette and one of Salah or Brandt would provide some high-end depth to the attack, but the price tags being floated around are eye watering.
- Midfield - Lallana proved himself to be an instrumental catalyst for this side, and Wijnaldum seemed to be growing into a similar role towards the end of the season while Lallana was out. Bringing in Keita would provided much needed help for Henderson and Can and bring an incredible work, but I'm skeptical that RBL will accept any bid. The big questions are, can Henderson stay healthy? He was fantastic when on the pitch. Whither Can? Will he resign? Should Liverpool want him to?
- Defense - Matip-Lovren were a solid combo, but there has to be more depth here. Van Dijk would be a huge signing, but what's the backup plan if he opts for Man City? I have massive respect for Milner - a late-career position change, being elected vice captain in his first season - but a true LB is needed. There's rumors that Andrew Robertson has already been signed, and I think he's a solid two-way fullback that will have a long EPL career. Would Sessegnon be a short-term improvement? Would a Milner/Robertson/Sessegnon group be enough to success in Europe?
- Keeper - Mingolet will never be the ball handler & distributor that Klopp wants, but he came up huge time and again down the stretch. He is a world class shot stopper. Karius still has loads of talent, but lost all confidence last season. I'm not sure what gives here. Maybe a loan for Karius to rebuild him and bring back Ward as the back up?