Klopp is looking to strengthen rather than start a ‘rebuild’.
Liverpool’s drop off this season cannot be ignored. Despite having started the season well, key injuries to a plethora of players – most notably Virgil van Dijk – saw the champions quickly concede their title defence.
The fortress that was once Anfield had been penetrated, with five home defeats in a row: the clubs worst ever run of home results. Now, Jurgen Klopp is looking for a way to shore up the ship and get back on track.
Liverpool already dipped into the transfer market twice in January to sign two additional defenders, with all three of their senior centre-backs out at once. Klopp even stuck with Henderson and Fabinho at the back over his new arrivals for some time – to much criticism.
With Ozan Kabak currently only on loan and Ben Davies yet to get into the side, many might assumed a more strategic, long-term target could be brought in. However, with Nat Williams also now proving himself in the side, the sights look to be aimed elsewhere on the pitch.
According to The Athletic’s Simon Hughes, the first on Klopp’s list of signings in the summer will be another attacking player. Hughes states that the German coach “wants to supplement his attacking options, rather than replace the existing ones.”
Admittedly, the latter would have come as a bit of a surprise, given that Liverpool’s issues aren’t so much in the final third. Although relying more heavily on their Egyptian talisman this season, that front three of Salah, Mane and Firmino is still one of the deadliest in Europe.
Moreover, we have already seen the impact of what bringing another attacking talent can do for a team. When Diogo Jota joined the club, he scored 7 in his first 6 games and had more goals after 10 matches than any Liverpool player since Robbie Fowler.
Having recently returned from injury, he is back amongst the goals and helping lighten the load, not to mention allowing for Klopp to rotate between competitions. The last thing he’ll want is another injury to his starting 11.
Hughes had no information, as yet, regarding who might be only Liverpool/Klopp’s list, he is apparently wanting to recreate those first successes. As he mentions, “When Klopp designed his first Liverpool team, he built from the front”.
The season before they won the title, the approach seemed to win by outscoring the opposition and whilst unsuccessful, they played some extremely exciting football.
Now, with several centre-backs options at the club, it may just be a case of waiting for senior players to return to full fitness. When they do, there could be even more firepower ahead of them. As they say, the best form of defence is attack.
