Liverpool finally cutting the red tape on Summer transfers

A explosive start in the Summer transfer window saw Liverpool Fc linked with a flurry of top stars as Mohammad Salah became the first and record signing at the club.

Despite signing one of Serie A's brightest talents of last season, The Reds hit stumbling block after stumbling block with a number of their top targets becoming seemingly unattainable additions.

Virgin Van Djik, Southampton Captain looked en route to Anfield, but reports of unsportsmanlike conduct threw a spanner in the works as Southampton refused to sell, halting the much needed reinforcement.

Following the Dutchman's heartbreaking rejection was Naby Kieta who, just like the centre-back was viewed as an important figure at his club Red Bull Liepzig, who with a major season ahead of them including Champions League football put up a barrier to the Premier League club.

With just Salah and back-up left back Andrew Robertson coming into the squad so far, the sense of disillusionment grew within the Reds' faithful and intensified following a 2-2 draw with Watford on the opening day of the season.

Despite improvements in results, most notably a 4-0 thrashing of Arsenal on Sunday, and Champions League qualification secured, the belief that reinforcements were still required has remained but Liverpool answered their critics and have since reinstalled confidence within Jurgen Klopp's men.

The recent announcement that midfielder Kieta will be linking up with The Reds next season following a £48m agreement has come as a surprise, with Liverpool finally tearing down the red tape to land their man; albeit with him not figuring in plans until a year later however.

In spite of this, fans on social media have seen this as a positive step with, Fenway Sports Group finally splashing the cash they have been patiently saving, but is there more in store on Merseyside?

FSG - ready to splash the cash? (image: verocom)

With one transfer that looked off limits now secured, the rumours surrounding another once impending figure may be back on as the transfer window draws to a close in two days time.

Van Djik has made it clear regarding his lack of intention to feature for The Saints this season, but Mauricio Pellegrini may finally cave in to the idea of selling his captain as he frantically searches for a replacement over the next 48-hours.

While this is surely a clear sign of moving forward, there is yet another duo of players that may be on their way to Anfield, with Thomas Lemar a target that has been once again blocked off, with AS Monaco refusing to sell after already losing Benjamin Mendy, Bernado Silva (Manchester City), Tiemoue Bakayoko (Chelsea).

The Reds have already had a bid of £65m rejected but are believed to be planning an improved offer of around £75m, for the 21-year-old who has scored 20-goals in his career so far, from 130 games.

Arsenal midfielder Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain is a player who is attempting to force through a move to Anfield, after rejecting a switch to last years League champions following a £40m bid, with the 24-year-old English International rejecting a contract extension at the Emirates.

With a number of players interested in a move to Merseyside, excitement is back, and with Champions League group stages set to begin in mid-September, there is a buzz of the big-time for Klopp and co.

Still work to be done for Liverpool in Transfer Window

A Champions League victory over Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim is something to celebrate for Jürgen Klopp and co. but their long road to success has barely begun.

With a potential nightmare clash a possibility in the Group Stages that feature the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint Germain, Juventus, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, the strength in depth and lack there of, should be a cause of concern for The Reds.

Despite the season barely underway, cracks have already shown, despite the management knowing about the safety hazards since the end of last term, with just one major signing in the form of Mohammad Salah, the Liverpool attack has been a lethal force, meanwhile their defensive line are yet to restore faith in fans.

With three goals conceded in their first Premier League fixture against Watford, who finished with just 40-goals last season, the back four is still a key area to be addressed with Klopp's strength in depth lacking compared to other top-four sides.

Anfield's first choice defence came to a grand total of £44m if Alberto Moreno plays at left-back, or £32m with James Milner guarding that portion of the field meanwhile, Manchester City have forked out £123m on a trio of full backs this transfer window alone (Kyle Walker [Tottenham], Benjamin Mendy [Monaco], Danilo [Real Madrid]).

Liverpool have been held to ransom over their first choice targets, with Southampton captain Virgin Van Djik's proposed £50m+ move to Merseyside put on hold, despite a transfer request with the player currently training on his own.

However, despite this unfortunate circumstance with the Saints' board now refusing to sell, no back up targets have emerged, with Klopp maintaining his satisfaction with his current crop, although a number of critics have spoken out against his choice.

With just a week until the transfer window closes on August 31, 23:00, time is running out for recruitment to be added to the reds who will be fighting on four fronts, in the Premier League, FA Cup, League cup and Champions League with a minimum of 46 games to be played across the entire campaign.

Barcelona have shown their true colours in Phillipe Coutinho pursuit

Barcelona have long portrayed themselves as a club for the people, however their recent transfer tactics have threatened to disrupt their humble image.

While football is far from a friendly sport, the sportsmanship on display this Summer has impacted greatly on the public perception of the Catalan club, with even past players hitting out at their actions.

Brazilian superstar Neymar sparked a domino effect as he pushed through a mega-money move to French giants Paris Saint Germain; smashing the transfer record in early August.

Neymar sparked a Domino effect following Barcelona exit

The world’s most expensive footballer hit out at directors of his now former club after his home debut with PSG against Toulouse last Sunday saying: “I spent four beautiful years there and parted happy.
But with [the board], no.

"For me, they are not the people who should be there, for the direction of Barca. Barca deserve much better." (As reported by the BBC).

His €222m switch has since forced a desperate and rash display of conduct from Barcelona who have identified both Liverpool’s Phillipe Coutinho and Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele as Neymar’s replacements.

However, despite a transfer request handed in by the Premier League midfielder, the Merseyside club are clinging on to their playmaker with three bids already rejected.

Despite the seemingly straight forward process, Barcelona, have went above and beyond the protocol of respect, by filing both transfer offers the day before The Reds are set to play a fixture.

With Jurgen Klopp preparing to play his first home Champions League fixture at Anfield, a mega transfer offer would serve as a major distraction to the manager and his players.

The most recent proposal was taken with a slightly baffling raise of the eyebrows, as just (€130m) £119m was on the table with a measly €90 (£82.3m) guaranteed and €40m (£36.6m) in add on clauses.

The add on inclusions were for:
· Winning multiple trophies in a singular season
· Winning the UEFA Champions League multiple times
· Winning the FIFA Ballon D’Or
· Winning multiple trophies and the Ballon D’Or in a singular season
· With the guaranteed fee of £80m payed over five years

Liverpool rejected the transfer offer, but still the Spanish giants cheekily suggested there was a 7pm deadline for a response two days after submission; which was laughed off by The Reds.

Liverpool are determined to keep hold of Phillipe Coutinho (Joel Lampkin)

The importance of the 25-year-old to Anfield is massive with current midfielder Adam Lallana out until November at least, and with the Brazilian bagging 14-goals in their previous year’s campaign, he will be a major figure missing in their forward line.

It is believed by many Liverpool fans that Coutinho’s reported back injury by the club and Klopp, is nothing short of fiction, with the lure of the Nou Camp serving as a far too strong appeal for the 25-year-old.

According to Sky Sports news, the Catalan Club are preparing a fourth and what may be a final bid of £138m in a last-ditch attempt to add more fire power to their season, which has already saw them lose out on one trophy on offer (Super Cup) to rivals Real Madrid.

Coutinho was not present at Anfield for the club’s first home fixture this season and is not in the squad for their Champions League return clash against Hoffenheim, but this serves as no indication that Liverpool will give into the demands of both player and Barca