The 2022-2023 season proved to be a bitter pill to swallow for Liverpool Football Club and its passionate fanbase. After a remarkable stretch of success that saw them clinch the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League title in recent years, the Reds endured a turbulent campaign filled with disappointment and missed opportunities. While multitude factors contributed to their underwhelming performances, one glaring issue emerged as the proverbial elephant in the room: recruitment failures.
Liverpool’s struggles throughout the season highlighted a lack of adequate strength, especially in the midfield area. While it is tempting to solely attribute the season’s derailment to injuries, it begs the question: Were any of the injured players, apart from Luis Diaz, a surprise to us? The undeniable quality of Thiago, Jota, Keita, and Konate is unquestionable, but their susceptibility to frequent injuries remains evident.
Liverpool’s recruitment track record has seldom faltered due to a lack of quality acquisitions. Instead, the lingering concern revolves around bolstering the quantity of first-team players. While most teams secure the services of 3-4 key additions each summer, Liverpool adopts a more cautious approach. However, as almost 4 first-team players depart on free transfers, and with a few more seeking new challenges, Liverpool faces an urgent need for a transformative summer transfer window.
Current State Assessment
Now, let’s explore the gaps in the current squad, as we illustrate them below.
UEFA’s regulations dictate that the club must register 17 non-Homegrown players and 8 Homegrown players. 4 out of the 8 HG players must receive training at the club. Players such as Trent and Curtis are included in this category.
Notably, players like Elliott and Carvalho, being under 21, are exempt from registration. Without factoring in sales, Liverpool can accommodate 3 more non-HG players and 2 HG players. No need to blow things out of proportion when it comes to buying non-HG players for Liverpool! They’ve got plenty of wiggle room to make some epic adjustments.
As age and performance become factors, Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams are likely to be phased out immediately. Meanwhile, the futures of Kelleher, Adrian, and Matip currently under discussion regarding their potential departures.
Here is my brief assessment on these three players:
Kelleher: From the player’s perspective, it would be beneficial for him to seek a transfer. However, from the club’s standpoint, it is crucial to ensure his departure only occurs at the right price. With his evident quality, any offer below £20-25 million would be an absolute steal for any potential buyer.
Adrian: It is time for Liverpool to part ways with Adrian. If offered a new contract, he should be utilized as a training goalkeeper rather than a reliable backup due to his insufficient level.
Matip: With his contract expiring in 2024, now is the opportune time to sell him and reinvest in a superior, younger centre-back. The club can maximize his market value and strategically strengthen their defensive options for the future.
Fabio Carvalho, Kostas Tsimikas, and few others may also depart as part of potential exits.
Potential Areas of Recruitment
Drawing valuable lessons from the challenges faced this season, Liverpool must prioritize recruiting three to four central midfielders. This investment should encompass two world-class players for the starting line-up, and two promising prospects ready to contribute soon.
To address the backup goalkeeper situation, Liverpool must recruit a player capable of competently handling cup games. Preferably, a homegrown player to meet squad registration requirements.
Regarding central defenders, assuming no outgoing sales, acquiring one should suffice for the summer, though the argument for two can be made. The decision of whether to prioritize a homegrown signing in this position will depend on the other recruits. The position provides a favourable landscape to acquire homegrown talents at relatively lower prices compared to the current market rates for midfielders.
Preferred Summer Targets
Here is my list of preferred targets, with the most important ones highlighted in green.
The summer of 2023 calls for Liverpool’s moment of reckoning—an opportunity to recapture glory and solidify their elite status in Europe. With their rivals relentlessly reinforcing their squads, Liverpool cannot afford to stand still. The upcoming transfer window allows the club to redefine ambitions, exhibit resilience, and re-establish their place at the football summit.