It’s set to be a summer of change at Anfield both on and off the field with Julian Ward stepping back as sporting director and big plans for new incomings. Jude Bellingham remains the top target and reports continue to fluctuate on whether or not Liverpool are leading the race for his signature.
It’s a testament to Liverpool’s past transfer business that they were able to win every trophy possible under Jurgen Klopp with smart business done on players such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Alisson and Andy Robertson. Most of Liverpool’s business during Klopp’s reign can be deemed a success with the majority of the signings proving more valuable than what they were bought for.
But this summer will see two players depart who will unlikely be fondly remembered by most Liverpool fans. Both Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain arrived at Anfield to plenty of fanfare, but their time at the club has been plagued by injuries.
Keita was seen as the next shining light for Liverpool’s midfield with plenty of build-up before his arrival after a deal was agreed a year before his first appearance. Meanwhile, Oxlade-Chamberlain was seen as an experimental signing who could go on to realise his full potential at Anfield.
Both showed glimpses of their talents on occasion, but ultimately the risks in signing both of them outweighed the rewards. The trio of Georginio Wijnaldum, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson were a force to be reckoned with when fit and firing, but Klopp needed depth in midfield and both Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain were signed to help provide just that.
But their fitness issues and inconsistent form has now left Liverpool in a sticky situation where both players will leave as free agents at the end of the season. The Reds appear willing to let both players go for free as opposed to signing new contracts in a bid to free up cash elsewhere.
And their impending departures will only further add to speculation surrounding Liverpool’s interest in Bellingham. Where Liverpool’s ultimatum will come is whether or not the owners are willing to shell out big money on one player or spread the money around for potentially three new signings.
Keita’s £52.75m fee now looks extortionate for what Liverpool got out of that while the £35m used on Oxlade-Chamberlain hardly constitutes good business either in hindsight. It’s whether or not Liverpool run the risk of trying a similar experiment out to help shake things up for Klopp.
But much more is riding on which way Liverpool turn this summer after what has been a disastrous season by their recent standards. Going for Bellingham may be the most costly option up front. But going for unproven and cheaper alternatives may also end up being even costlier down the line.
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