Liverpool have enjoyed a fine season, and have needed to dip into a deep but high-quality squad to compete for all four trophies in the way in which they did.
Their fine squad can often be attributed to Jurgen Klopp, in that he has the ability to turn these cheaper talents into world class players.
It is his ability that has led to widespread praise in the way in which Liverpool conduct their business, and how they are renowned for being wise with money and only spending big on sure things.
This is indicative in their reported net spend of around £133m under Klopp, which is particularly impressive when considering the large outlays of £75m for Virgil Van Dijk, the £67m for Alisson, and perhaps less impressively, the £52.75m unloaded on Naby Keita.
The latter represents one of few transfer blunders that the Reds have made under Klopp, as Keita has struggled to cement his place in the team despite arriving for a then club-record fee.
At the time of the deal, Klopp labelled the midfielder “the player of the league”, stating that he had received many congratulatory calls from contacts throughout the Bundesliga following the announcement.
However, the Guinean has struggled since moving to Anfield, and Klopp will be left wondering where that player has gone.
Although his stats tell the story of a hardworking midfielder who will try to make things happen, for the significant outlay to get him, the Reds will have expected more than 18 goal contributions in 116 games.
His performances, particularly one in a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid back in October, led to former Liverpool midfielder Dietman Hamann brandishing the player “not good enough”.
Not only was his transfer fee mouth-wateringly high, but his reported £120k-per-week deal means that in total his signing has cost the club nearly £78m, with another year left to be paid on his contract.
Seeing his Transfermarkt valuation plummet to £27m will also be disheartening for the Merseyside club, showing how Keita has only regressed since signing.
Liverpool do not make many financial missteps, but it seems this time Klopp’s gamble on what seemed a hot Bundesliga prospect has misfired. Whilst he has not been terrible for the Reds, his lack of quality in the final third has frustrated many, and has likely led to his lack of regular game time.
In other news, Liverpool must swoop for £41m-rated “nightmare”, he’s Klopp’s ideal Mane replacement.
