After a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League last season, big things were expected of Liverpool in the summer transfer market.
The Reds got off to the perfect start as they sealed the signing of Brighton playmaker Alexis Mac Allister. They paid £45m to secure the signature of the World Cup winner.
It appears unlikely that Liverpool will be satisfied with that business so far, with more additions expected for Jurgen Klopp before deadline day. Things might not go to plan though with a few deals already threatening to be derailed.
Take a look at everything that could go wrong for the Reds during the remainder of the window:
Klopp’s FSG plea fails
Even before the summer market got underway, Reds’ boss Klopp was clear in his demands to the club’s owners FSG. Speaking way back in February, the German said: "Money always has an impact.
“But this cannot be that much of an impact, let me say it like this. Of course it is influential but this is a summer where we have to be in the market, definitely.”
The message was clear - spend or potentially fall even further behind. The Reds hierarchy have certainly backed Klopp with the signing of Mac Allister but the club need more if they are to challenge next term.
If he doesn't get the required recruits he needs, next season could be even harder.
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Barella stays with Inter
One of the departments that Liverpool need serious investment is in the heart of midfield. Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain all left to leave the Reds low on options.
One man who could be a perfect answer to that conundrum is Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella. The Italian played a pivotal role in his side’s run to the Champions League and had a very impressive personal campaign with nine goals and ten assists in all competitions.
He looks a perfect acquisition but as it stands, he has three years left on his contract at the San Siro and has so far shown little appetite for leaving Inter.
No right-back signing
One solution that Klopp could use as he attempts to bolster Liverpool’s midfield options could be Trent Alexander-Arnold. The academy graduate was handed somewhat of a hybrid role at the end of last season and thrived.
He was also pushed into midfield by England boss Gareth Southgate during the June internationals. Whilst that might be an experiment that Klopp will want to continue, it seems difficult considering the club’s lack of right-back options.
Calvin Ramsay has left to join Preston North End on-loan, leaving Alexander-Arnold as the club’s only right-sided defender. Another right-back could go a long way in assisting the Liverpool boss but none arriving at Anfield could present another problem.
Chelsea secure Veiga
Amidst Liverpool’s attempts to re-establish themselves at the top of the Premier League, Chelsea are also trying to do the same. The Blues endured a nightmare campaign last term.
It is no surprise to see Liverpool and Chelsea going head-to-head for signings. The most prominent name among those potential arrivals is Celta Vigo starlet Gabri Veiga.
Both the Reds and the Blues are thought to be in the running for the young Spaniard and it would certainly be a blow to Liverpool should he spurn their interest for a move to Stamford Bridge.
Saudi swoops
Sticking with Chelsea, it appears that the Blues are getting a huge helping hand from clubs in Saudi Arabia to slim down their squad. A vast array of Chelsea stars including N’Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and more could accept the Gulf State’s riches before next season.
There might be a worry that a few at Anfield could be tempted to do the same. In a time where Liverpool’s squad is desperate for additions, the last thing they need is it thinning down even more.
At this stage, none of the current stars have been linked with exits to Middle East but it would certainly not be a surprise to see some names floated around before the end of the transfer window.
