Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has expressed his concerns about Liverpool’s lack of activity in the summer transfer window, worrying that new manager Andoni Iraola has been ‘left short’.
After back-to-back 2-2 draws to start the season against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, the former Manchester United man called for immediate reinforcements in positions he feels the club is neglecting.
Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, he said: “There's real excitement with the players they've got up top and if they added a defensive midfield player, and two good full backs, they'd have a really good chance.”
“But they're being undermined by a lack of recruitment in those full back areas and in central midfield. They need to do something.”
Thus far the Reds have signed four players – Jérémy Jacquet, Victor Munoz, Ronald Araujo, Ifeanyi Ndukwe. Plus, both Bradley Barcola and Lucca Brughmans are expected to be announced in the coming hours.
On the reverse, there are also significant departures – Mohamed Salah, Curtis Jones, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté all left for pastures new, with Cody Gakpo on the brink of an exit to Manchester City with the addition of Stefan Bajcetic and Harvey Elliott also expected to leave before the end of the window.
When you add to the list the injuries to Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez, all of a sudden, the pool of players Iraola has to pick from diminishes.
The window is open until Tuesday evening, and more business could yet be finalised, but Neville is not convinced by the sheer number of signings compared to outgoings.
“I’m not sure what's going on there in respect of their recruitment,” he said. “I don't think they have the numbers in defence. I think they're leaving Andoni Iraola well short.
“I know he looks like a gentleman and you see him in the interviews but if I was him I'd be demanding something in the next 48 hours because it will cost him.”
Iraola has repeatedly stated in interviews that his project is one that will take multiple seasons. However, the depth available to him, especially in the fullback areas is concerning.
Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have underperformed since moving to Anfield last summer, yet the club are set to persist with the pair and are not linked with any potential alternatives.
Elsewhere, the lack of a deep-lying midfielder raises questions. Ryan Gravenberch is currently operating in that role, but his propensity to foray forward is beginning to cause issues, as seen against Newcastle in the Premier League opener.
It might be a busy 36 hours on Merseyside.
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