Now that the dust has settled it's time to take a closer look at the Liverpool transfer business and grade their performance. We will be looking at the entire summer market business, not just the deadline deals made or missed. Grading will be on an A-F scale. But first, lets review the transfers:
Transfers In
Mohamed Salah Roma
Andrew Robertson Hull City
Dominic Solanke Chelsea
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Arsenal
Naby Keïta RB Leipzig (will join Liverpool June 2018)
Transfers Out
Mamadou Sakho Crystal Palace
Kevin Stewart Hull City
Lucas Leiva Lazio
Andre Wisdom Derby County
Sheyi Ojo Fulham (on loan)
Divock Origi Wolfsburg (on loan)
Jurgen Klopp brought in 5 new players to the squad this summer market but missed out on his biggest target when Southampton refused to sell Virgil Van Dijk. With defense being the biggest need, only Andrew Robertson arrived as a defensive player and no center backs joined the squad. That would be the biggest criticism of Liverpool, their failure to address the biggest need. Especially with Champions League play, Liverpool do not enjoy much depth at center back. When you factor in that they also sold a solid center back (Sakho) it is easy to understand supporters frustrations. Still, Andrew Robertson will improve the defense in several ways. First, he is a solid outside back who will be quick to join in the attack. He also will provide many opportunities on crosses and set pieces. Finally, his arrival allows Klopp to move James Milner to his natural midfield position which provides the Reds more depth.
The rest of the moves were for midfielders and attacking players. Mo Salah leads the group and his value is already evident. Another pacey winger to paly opposite of Sadio Mane, Liverpool's top 3 are going to strain many defenses this season. Once Philippe Coutinho rejoins the squad look for Salah to get even more scoring opportunities.
Naby Keita was a great signing although he will be remaining with RB Leipzig this season. Still, Keita's combination of pace, skill, and determination will fit in perfectly with Klopp's system. Oxlade-Chamberlain provides needed depth and his versatility will be a great asset. The former Arsenal players can be featured throughout the pitch, both in wingback positions, winger, and his preferred central midfield. Look for Oxlade-Chamberlain to start games when Klopp looks to rest Mane or Salah on the outside as well as be a super-sub for the Reds.
Dominick Solanke is a young attacker who has impressed since arriving to Liverpool. He left Chelsea looking for more game action. And with Sturridge's injury history look for Solanke to get that opportunity behind Firmino. His form has impressed enough to allow for the loan out of Divock Origi.
The two big names leaving are Origi and Mamadou Sakho. It is no surprise to see Sakho's departure as he has spent his time in Klopp's doghouse for a variety of discipline issues. Origi needs to be on the pitch to continue developing so his loan was a good move. Importantly, the loan included a couple important clauses. One allows Klopp to recall the striker in January if needed. So if Sturridge or another attacker suffers injury, Origi could rejoin the Reds. Equally important, the loan did not include an option to buy. So at the end of the loan Origi returns to Liverpool.
A lot of talk about the Liverpool transfer business will be about the miss on Van Dijk, understandably so. But, you can't discuss the transfer action without bringing up Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian desperately wanted a move to Barcelona. FC Barcelona identified Coutinho as Neymar's replacement and were willing to pay a huge sum to acquire him. That is why most pundits believed it a matter of time that Liverpool conceded and sold Coutinho to Barcelona. Throughout the window the Reds maintained that Coutinho would not be leaving. But when he submitted a transfer request and stopped playing (with a supposed "back injury") it seemed his move to Spain was only a matter of time. And, when he magically healed the second he returned to Brazil on International duty, many thought this to be the final straw and Liverpool had had enough. But, to their credit, they did not cave to the pressure and Liverpool kept Philippe Coutinho. This is a great move not only because of his great skill and creativity, but also because of the message it sends to players and other clubs......Liverpool will not sell players unless Liverpool want to sell the player.
It is easy to be disappointed at the failure to secure Virgil Van Dijk. And, when Liverpool were linked with Thomas Lemar and then did not finalize that deal, supporters were also let down. However, keeping Coutinho almost has to be looked at as a transfer in. Mo Salah and Andy Robertson have already shown their value to the club. Oxlade-Chamberlain will do the same in the near future. Solanke will develop and will also get some opportunities this season to show his form. When Naby Keita joins the Reds in 2018 the full value of this windows business will be learned. Klopp did well in adding depth and skill to the squad and there is no doubt they are an improved team. Keeping Coutinho means his creativity will be added to the impressive form the Reds have already shown. Even with the Van Dijk miss you have to say it was a good transfer market. I give the Reds a solid B.