Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has raised concerns about the scale of the job facing the Reds in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool are already looking at another significant period of change, with Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson heading for the exit, Alisson Becker linked with Juventus and uncertainty continuing around Curtis Jones.
That adds to an already lengthy list of transfer needs for Arne Slot’s squad. Liverpool have issues to solve in almost every position, and Lawrenson claims it will take another huge window if the Reds are to compete properly next season.
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Mark Lawrenson explains why Liverpool need another high-spending window
Liverpool spent heavily last summer. The Reds brought in players including Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Giovanni Leoni in a window that reshaped the squad at huge cost.
It might not need to be another summer built around £100m-plus signings. But in terms of sheer quantity, Liverpool may actually have an even bigger list to work through this time.
Lawrenson explained the problem on talkSPORT, saying: “They’re gonna have to spend a lot of money, you know, because they’ve only got one left-back, you know, and this is a left-back that wants to play left-winger.
“They’ve got four right-backs who are all injured at different times as well. Plus, obviously, you’ve got the forward players as well.
“It’s almost as big a job as it was a year ago in terms of where the players are going to be, so whether the club have got all that money, I’m just not sure. They’re gonna have to do some good bargaining.”
Lawrenson failed to mention the most glaring need — an elite, physical midfielder. It’s a lot, and the former Red isn’t sure it’s feasible.
But Liverpool are financially healthier than most Premier League clubs, with recent accounts showing record revenue and a strong commercial position. I wouldn’t be concerned about a lack of buying power.
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Money is only one part of the challenge. The harder part is identifying the right players, convincing clubs to negotiate and making sure Slot’s squad does not become unbalanced again as it has so clearly been this season.
The summer window opens on June 15th. Liverpool have time, but they also have a lot to do.
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