The start of the summer could not have been more positive for liverpool fc entry into the Champions League followed by reports of a £200M transfer budget. It was even reported that LFC was in negotiations to sign Naby Keita and Virgil van Dijk from RB Leipzig and Southampton FC respectively for a combined total of around £130M. A few months later, Liverpool has made no first team signing apart from the acquisition of Mohamed Salah from AS Roma and their season once again looks set to be a bumpy ride.
Defensive shortcomings
Liverpool last season conceded the most goals of any of the top 4 sides with set pieces being the easiest way through their shaky defence.
Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet started last season as number-2 but got his place back thanks to a run of good performances from him and a poor start to the career of Loris Karius at Liverpool. Injuries and uncertain performances of left-back Alberto Moreno meant James Milner had to fill in and play out of position for most of the season. The centre back pairing of Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip never really got going either. With all these problems exposed by a number of teams, many predicted defenders and especially a centre-back would be Liverpool's priority in the summer transfer market and so began the rumours surrounding Virgil van Dijk. A couple of months and a transfer request later, the situation with the Southampton captain has not changed, Liverpool still carries the same defensive line-up and all the baggage attached going into the season.
Philippe Coutinho
As if Liverpool's transfer failings weren't enough so close to the season, the best player in the team handing out an official transfer request is a stern blow to the club's chances of mounting a strong season. Barcelona is at the doors and has the money required thanks to the record sale of Brazilian Neymar to PSG.
Liverpool has restated that Coutinho will not be allowed to leave, but it will be interesting if the Brazilian accepts the club's decision or commits drastic actions to force a way out of the club. Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge are already injured and the situation leaves the LFC attack-line short, a departure of their number-10 could create problems that the money coming in might not be able to solve.
With a few weeks still left before the transfer market closes, fans would be hoping the club can secure the services of one or more first team players to solidify the team's defence. Potential transfer market dealings along with the Champions League qualification games against Hoffenheim in the next few weeks could very well determine the ambitions of the Merseyside club for the new season.
