Recruitment staff at Liverpool are drawing up two separate shortlists for the summer transfer window.
That’s according to the Liverpool Echo, who claim that ‘insiders’ have told them of the Reds upcoming transfer plans. It’s reported that Liverpool will aim to sign different targets depending on where they finish in the Premier League.
Presumably there’ll be one list of targets for a Champions League finish, and another list without.
The Echo also report that the current situation at Liverpool is being described as ‘spinning plates’ from those inside the club. Julian Ward is set to depart upon the season’s end, while uncertainty continues over the ownership of the club.
Liverpool keeping their options open
This isn’t great news for Liverpool fans. It has previously been reported that top target Jude Bellingham would have no problem moving to Anfield without Champions League football to entice him. But this would perhaps suggest that Liverpool may then alter their approach anyway.
Without the windfall of playing in Europe’s premier competition, the Reds will likely aim to pinch penny’s.
As a result, you’d have to assume that Bellingham’s name would not be on the ‘no Champions League’ list. With Jurgen Klopp’s side currently looking like outsiders to finish in the Premier League’s top four, this will have supporters sweating.
But either way, Liverpool need to bring in some midfielders. Should they not qualify for the Champions League next season, they’ll still need to add some bodies.
If this is the case, it stands to reason that the quality of the Reds midfield will lessen this summer.
Having expected 2023 to be the year Klopp’s midfield finally has some big-name additions, that may not be the case after all.
Still, value can be found in the market. Liverpool have been adept at finding players in the £35-40m mark over recent years. Without the enormous outlay for Bellingham, they could still unearth several of those.
Hopefully a few of those make up the lists mentioned here. But in a market fantastical with inflated fees, this is a reminder that Liverpool are still operating with a very real financial restraint. Let’s just hope the second of the Reds’ lists never sees the light of day.
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