Liverpool were quiet in the January transfer window, completing only a handful of loan exits, but Fabrizio Romano claims things “will be different” in the summer transfer window.
There has been a fair bit of mumbling and grumbling over the last eight months regarding Liverpool’s transfer activity – or relative lack thereof.
But Arne Slot’s dominant debut as manager of Liverpool has done a lot to quell the disquiet among supporters. There were few realistic expectations for the Reds to make ambitious moves in the January transfer window even if it would have been nice to see ambition shown.
The summer transfer window promises to bring all the chaos and change that some are yearning for. Liverpool are on the brink of losing three of the most talented players in the world at the peak of their respective powers and for free.
Suppose Liverpool lose any one of Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah. In that case, there will be severe consequences for the squad’s makeup, but even if they don’t leave, other areas of the squad need investment already.
Fabrizio Romano predicts “really busy” summer transfer window for Liverpool
Discussing Liverpool’s transfer plans in the wake of the quiet winter window, Fabrizio Romano told his YouTube channel during a Deadline Day stream that things should “be different” in the summer.
“Liverpool, nothing for this January window but another club that will be really busy in the summer,” Romano explained.
“Liverpool and Arsenal, I know the fans maybe aren’t excited for this January was quiet.
“But in the summer [things] will be different.”
Ignoring van Dijk, Trent and Salah, what are Liverpool’s transfer needs?
Assuming Liverpool defy the odds and extend the trio’s contracts, Slot will need to be more bullish with his transfer approach to address the current needs of the squad available to him.
Caoimhin Kelleher should leave in the summer with Giorgi Mamardashvili arriving from Valencia.
Andy Robertson was fantastic against Bournemouth but the 30-year-old has struggled to reach that standard on a consistent basis this season while Kostas Tsimikas has been similarly hit-and-miss. Left-back is a concern with the Reds reportedly tracking Milos Kerkez although the fullback was criticised for his defending of Salah’s goal at the weekend.
Ironically, defensive midfield is no longer a massive concern for Liverpool. A backup signing will be needed if Wataru Endo leaves but Ryan Gravenberch has made the no.6 role his very own with his exceptional displays in the role this season.
In attack, Liverpool don’t need much after signing Federico Chiesa at the start of the season. If Darwin Nunez leaves in the summer after a January approach from Saudi Arabia was rejected, perhaps a new striker will be signed but it’s impossible to say now.
Beyond that, Liverpool’s squad is really well-rounded. A lot will depend on whether or not FSG can retain van Dijk, Trent and Salah but if they can, Slot could usher in a new era of dominance for the Reds.