Liverpool have little room for error this summer. A steep drop from their usual standards of contending at the highest level throughout Jurgen Klopp’s reign over the past campaign has underscored the Reds’ urgent need for reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window.
Thankfully, it appears that they got the memo. In less than two weeks since their disappointing season concluded, Liverpool secured a move for highly-rated Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. The Reds had monitored Mac Allister closely over the last half-season and quickly designated the Argentine as their primary target following the collapse of their pursuit of Jude Bellingham. Their quick swoop for him before the transfer window even opened signals their intent to ensure a swift return as leading contenders in the Premier League and Europe, as they’ve so regularly established themselves prior to last season’s debacle.
The sizable progress of the clubs around Liverpool will further heighten their activity over the next two months. Newcastle’s heavy spending has already awarded the Magpies with a top four finish and a place in next season’s Champions League, just one full season and well sooner than most anticipated after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund purchased the club in October of 2021. Manchester United also clinched a top-four finish along with a league cup trophy in their first year under Erik Ten-Haag while Arsenal outperformed expectations by taking its title challenge to the final stages of the season and playing some scintillating football along the way. As United, Newcastle and Arsenal all look to build upon their strong years, Liverpool’s business this summer will go a long way in deciding whether the Anfield side can reassert itself at the upper end of the league.
Mac Allister’s arrival marks a large step towards that end. Between his energy, high work-rate, and ability to carry and distribute the ball forward he offers qualities largely absent from his new side’s midfielders last season. With Thiago’s frequent injuries, Jordan Henderson’s notable physical decline and James Milner’s exit, Mac Allister represents a strong upgrade to Liverpool’s current midfielders and should slot in seamlessly.
At the height of Jurgen Klopp’s reign, Liverpool’s relentless pressing in and rapid transitions forward from the midfield were the driving forces in their ability to completely overwhelm opponents. While Henderson, Milner, Harvey Elliot all struggled to cement their side’s control in the middle of the park last season, Mac Allister flourished as he exhibited the exact qualities Klopp demands from his midfielders to play a starring role in Brighton’s highest ever Premier League finish and Argentina’s triumphant World Cup campaign.
Liverpool’s presence in the transfer market this summer must extend further, however. The Anfield side’s midfield still requires one or two key additions to lay the foundations for its long-term rebuild as Henderson and Thiago age deeper into their 30’s and with Elliot yet to convince as a first team player.
Even with additional arrivals, Klopp may still need time to identify his strongest set up. Mac Allister will likely drop right into Klopp’s first XI, but the question of who he lines up alongside may be more complex. Curtis Jones displayed flashes of real quality in his strong finish to the campaign after numerous injuries kept him sidelined, while Trent Alexander-Arnold has enjoyed great success since he first began to drift into a more central position as an inverted winger.
Whether or not Alexander-Arnold’s transition into the midfield becomes permanent, the Reds’ constant susceptibility in the defensive third should prompt them to pursue reinforcements at the back as well. Of all of Liverpool’s centre backs, only Ibrahima Konate proved consistently reliable. At times, Virgil Van Djik looked unrecognizable from the defender attackers dreaded facing for years while Joel Matip and Joe Gomez failed to offer anywhere near enough protection for their goal when called upon. While not as immediate a priority as their midfield, the Reds must address their vulnerability at the back if they’re to break back into the top four next season.
A demanding transfer window lies ahead for Liverpool and the club has wasted little time since their grueling season concluded. Their move for Mac Allister was swift and efficient and should set the marker for how they operate in the coming months.