It's been a tough season for Liverpool, who have been plagued by plenty of issues this term - and Jurgen Klopp and the Anfield hierarchy haven't been able to conjure up any solutions in the January transfer window.
The Reds had always been expected to keep their powder dry after spending big money on Darwin Nunez in the summer. But it remained to be seen if that stance would soften in the wake of Liverpool's struggles in the Premier League.
Liverpool did strike early in the window to pip Manchester United to a deal for Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo. The 23-year-old has, however, proved to be the only new recruit to arrive on Merseyside this month.
There was other activity at Anfield throughout the window as a handful of youngsters left the club on loan, including 18-year-old defender Luke Chambers, who joined Kilmarnock on loan shortly before Tuesday's transfer deadline.
But while a dearth of activity this month has left some fans disappointed, Liverpool are expected to conduct some significant business in the summer window ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
The Reds' midfield has been an area of concern all season and the club are expected to reshape their engine room in the summer.
It's been widely reported that Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham is the club's top target, but Liverpool are likely to face significant competition in the race for the England star.
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Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo has also been linked with a move to Anfield over the past few months and was the subject of two failed bids from Arsenal in the January window.
The Seagulls were reluctant to cash in on another prized asset after losing Marc Cucurella and Leandro Trossard to Chelsea and Arsenal respectively, but that stance could soften in the summer - particularly as Caicedo made it clear that he was eager to join the Gunners.
A move for the Ecuador international would fit the bill and could materialise if the Reds are beaten to a deal for Bellingham. While it is unlikely Liverpool will have the funds for both, Wolves ' Matheus Nunes is also a target and would represent a more financially viable option for an accompanying midfield spot.
Elsewhere, the Reds are in better health. The Anfield hierarchy are in a position of strength in terms of their attacking options after acquiring Gakpo and he is likely to battle for a spot alongside Nunez, Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota.
Ibrahima Konate is set to spend the next few weeks on the sidelines but he has established himself as Virgil van Dijk's long-term partner in defence.
Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alisson Becker are all unlikely to be impacted by any future transfer business in the summer with Liverpool fully focused on rebuilding their faltering engine room.
Potential dream Liverpool line-up for 2023-24 : Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Nunes, Bellingham, Salah, Gakpo, Nunez.
