The Kopite View

Liverpool may already have an interesting decision waiting for them in January.

According to James Pearce, Ifeanyi Ndukwe only needs to play one league game in La Liga to become eligible to play competitive football in England.

His situation will then be reassessed in January, when Liverpool will decide whether to bring him back to England or leave him in Spain for the remainder of the season.

And for a young player trying to establish himself, that first La Liga appearance could be hugely important.

One game could change everything

The situation surrounding Ndukwe is particularly interesting because he isn’t simply being sent away and forgotten about.

Liverpool clearly have a plan for his development.

If he gets the opportunity to play a league game in Spain, he would then meet the requirement needed to become eligible for competitive football in England.

That gives Liverpool another option in January.

They can assess how much progress he has made and decide whether returning him to Liverpool is the right move.

Or they can decide that another six months in Spain would be better for his development.

Liverpool don’t have to rush him

This is probably the most important thing.

Ndukwe doesn’t need to come back to Liverpool simply because he becomes eligible.

The club can take its time.

If he is regularly playing in La Liga, developing physically and tactically and gaining valuable senior experience, there could be a strong argument for leaving him where he is.

Playing competitive football at a high level can be far more beneficial than sitting on the bench at Liverpool.

But the opposite could also be true.

If Liverpool believe he is ready for the next step, January could provide an opportunity to bring him back and expose him to first-team football in England.

January could be a big moment

The January review could therefore tell us a lot about how Liverpool view Ndukwe.

Is he someone the club believes can contribute to Iraola’s first team?

Or does he still need another six months of regular football away from Anfield?

Those are very different situations.

And the answer may depend heavily on what happens between now and January.

Every minute Ndukwe gets in La Liga could help him make that decision easier.

Liverpool have to think about development

One of the biggest challenges for a club like Liverpool is finding the right pathway for young players.

It’s not enough to simply have talented youngsters.

They need to play.

They need to make mistakes.

They need to experience difficult matches.

And they need to learn what senior football is really like.

That’s why Ndukwe’s situation is worth following.

If he can establish himself in Spain, Liverpool will have a much better idea of what level he is currently at.

Could he return to Liverpool in January?

That’s the exciting possibility.

If Ndukwe impresses over the next few months and Liverpool believe he is ready, bringing him back could give Iraola another option for the second half of the season.

Liverpool are competing across multiple competitions, so opportunities can appear quickly.

A young player who has spent months playing competitive football abroad could potentially return much better prepared than he was when he left.

But Liverpool shouldn’t bring him back simply because they can.

The decision has to be based on what is best for his development.

This could be a huge season for Ndukwe

The next few months could therefore be extremely important.

One La Liga appearance could make him eligible to play competitive football in England.

Then, in January, Liverpool will reassess the situation.

If he has impressed, perhaps the club decides the time is right to bring him home.

If he is thriving in Spain, perhaps another six months there is exactly what he needs.

Either way, Liverpool will have more information than they do right now.

Keep an eye on Ndukwe

For me, this is exactly the sort of situation Liverpool supporters should be watching.

We spend so much time talking about £100m signings that it’s easy to forget there are talented young players developing away from the spotlight.

Ndukwe has a chance to make a real impression in La Liga.

One league appearance could make him eligible to play in England.

January could then become a major crossroads in his Liverpool career.

Come January, Liverpool will have a decision to make.

And if Ndukwe takes his opportunity in Spain, it could be a very interesting decision indeed. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool’s transfer window may have been frustrating for supporters, but there was clearly more thought behind it than simply deciding not to strengthen certain positions.

According to James Pearce, the expected returns of Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike from long-term injuries influenced Liverpool’s transfer strategy.

The club apparently didn’t want to commit significant resources to positions where players they rate highly were expected to return in the coming months.

And when you look at it that way, Liverpool’s decisions start to make a little more sense.

But I still have my doubts.

Liverpool were planning for the players coming back

The key point from Pearce is that Liverpool weren’t necessarily ignoring certain positions.

They were looking at the bigger picture.

If Conor Bradley is expected back, then spending heavily on another right-back could have been viewed as unnecessary.

If Giovanni Leoni is returning from a serious injury, Liverpool may have felt they already had another highly-rated defensive option coming into the squad.

And then there’s Hugo Ekitike.

Liverpool signed Ekitike last summer, and although his long-term injury leaves a significant hole in the attack, the club clearly still rates him highly.

From Liverpool’s perspective, spending a huge amount on another player who could become surplus to requirements once Ekitike returns may not have been seen as good squad planning.

That is understandable.

But this is where I disagree

There is a difference between not wanting to waste money and not addressing an obvious short-term problem.

And this is where I still believe Liverpool could have done more.

Conor Bradley returning doesn’t necessarily mean Liverpool didn’t need another right-back.

Bradley has suffered serious injury problems, and Liverpool are competing across multiple competitions.

Having another specialist right-back would have given Iraola greater flexibility while also protecting Bradley from being rushed back into action.

The same applies to Leoni.

Having a highly-rated young defender returning from a long-term injury is fantastic.

But you cannot simply assume that he will immediately be ready to play every three days at Premier League and Champions League level.

And Ekitike’s situation is even more complicated

This one concerns me the most.

Ekitike is expected to be out for a significant period, leaving Alexander Isak as Liverpool’s main senior No.9 option.

I absolutely understand why Liverpool didn’t want to spend another £50m or £60m on a striker who might struggle for minutes once Ekitike returns.

But there are other solutions.

Liverpool could have looked for an experienced short-term option.

A loan.

A versatile forward.

Someone capable of giving Isak a rest without demanding a massive long-term investment.

Because the reality is that Liverpool have a huge number of matches to play.

If Isak gets injured, suspended or simply needs a rest, the situation suddenly becomes very uncomfortable.

It explains the strategy — but doesn’t completely excuse it

This is probably the most important distinction.

Pearce’s comments help explain why Liverpool made the decisions they did.

It wasn’t necessarily a case of the club forgetting about squad depth.

They were factoring in players returning from injury and trying to avoid spending large sums in positions that would become overcrowded.

That is actually sensible squad management.

Liverpool have also spent heavily this summer.

Bradley Barcola arrived for a huge fee, while Victor Muñoz, Ronald Araújo and Jérémy Jacquet were among the other additions, with further investment committed for the future.

So Liverpool couldn’t simply buy another player for every position supporters felt needed strengthening.

There had to be a strategy.

But football doesn’t wait for injured players

This is where I think Liverpool have taken a risk.

You can plan for Bradley’s return.

You can plan for Leoni’s return.

You can plan for Ekitike’s return.

But you cannot guarantee exactly when they will return, how quickly they will regain their fitness or whether they will immediately perform at the level expected.

Long-term injuries are unpredictable.

And Liverpool are trying to compete for the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups.

That’s a lot of football.

Sometimes you have to strengthen for the situation you have right now, rather than the squad you hope to have in three or four months.

It also changes how I view the transfer window

I still stand by my 4/10 rating for Liverpool’s summer window.

But Pearce’s explanation makes me more understanding of some of the decisions.

The club clearly had reasons for not making certain additions.

And those reasons weren’t necessarily financial or a lack of ambition.

Liverpool were looking at players already within their squad and asking:

“What happens when these players come back?”

That’s a perfectly reasonable question.

The problem is that there are still risks between now and then.

Liverpool are gambling on their injury recoveries

Ultimately, that’s what this strategy feels like to me.

Liverpool are gambling that Bradley returns and stays fit.

They’re gambling that Leoni comes back and quickly becomes an important option.

They’re gambling that Ekitike returns without further problems.

And they’re gambling that the existing squad can cope until those players are available.

Maybe it will work.

If it does, Liverpool could look back at this window and say they were right not to waste money.

But if injuries continue or another key player goes down, supporters will understandably ask why the club didn’t do more.

I understand the strategy — but I still wanted more

James Pearce’s comments give us important context.

Liverpool didn’t simply decide they didn’t need strengthening.

They were thinking about the players they already have and the ones expected to return.

That makes sense.

But for me, squad building isn’t just about planning for the perfect scenario.

It’s about preparing for what could go wrong.

And Liverpool have already seen how quickly injuries can change the picture.

So yes, I understand why the club didn’t want to commit huge resources in areas where Bradley, Leoni and Ekitike are expected to return.

But I still think Liverpool could have found cleverer short-term solutions.

A right-back.

Another midfielder.

A versatile attacker.

None of those necessarily required another £100m signing.

Liverpool have built an exciting squad.

But they have also taken some risks.

And now we have to hope those risks pay off.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool could be about to receive a huge boost at exactly the right time.

Joe Gomez is nearing his return to full training and could be involved against Fulham — or even earlier.

And with the transfer window now closed, his return could be just as important as any signing Liverpool could have made.

Gomez is nearly back

The latest update is extremely encouraging.

Joe Gomez is nearing his return to full training.

There is even a possibility that he could be involved for Fulham or before.

That doesn’t necessarily mean he will walk straight back into the starting XI.

Liverpool will need to manage his return carefully after his injury.

But simply having Gomez available again would give Andoni Iraola another hugely experienced option.

And Liverpool need that.

His versatility could be massive

One of the biggest strengths Gomez brings is his ability to play in multiple positions.

Centre-back.

Right-back.

And, when required, left-back.

That versatility could prove invaluable over the course of the season.

Liverpool didn’t sign another specialist right-back before the transfer window closed.

They also have defensive concerns to manage.

So having Gomez back could almost feel like a new signing.

And perhaps an extremely important one.

Look at Liverpool’s defensive situation

Liverpool have already experienced some difficult moments defensively this season.

Jeremie Frimpong has had a mixed start.

Milos Kerkez is still adapting.

Conor Bradley has been dealing with injury.

And Liverpool have a huge number of games ahead.

That’s why Gomez returning is such good news.

He gives Iraola another experienced player who understands the demands of Premier League football.

More importantly, he understands Liverpool.

Iraola could have another tactical option

This is where Gomez becomes particularly interesting.

Iraola wants his team to be aggressive.

He wants his defenders to contribute when Liverpool have possession.

But there also has to be balance.

And Gomez can offer something different.

He can provide defensive security.

He can cover for an attacking full-back.

He can move into different positions depending on the situation.

And he gives Iraola another player who can adapt during a match.

That could be extremely valuable.

Liverpool chose not to sign another defender

There was plenty of speculation late in the transfer window about Liverpool potentially bringing in another right-back.

Malo Gusto was one name discussed.

But ultimately, no permanent right-back arrived.

Now we know Gomez is getting closer to a return.

That could have played a part in Liverpool’s thinking.

Why spend heavily on another player when one of your most versatile defenders is approaching a return?

Of course, we don’t know exactly how Liverpool viewed the situation internally.

But from the outside, the timing certainly makes sense.

Gomez has been through a lot

It’s also worth remembering just how long Gomez has been part of Liverpool’s story.

He’s been at the club since 2015.

He’s played in title-winning teams.

He’s lifted the Champions League.

He’s experienced some of the biggest nights in Liverpool’s modern history.

And he’s had to fight through difficult injury problems along the way.

Whenever he has returned, supporters have appreciated what he brings.

He’s not always the first name on the teamsheet.

But he’s the sort of player you appreciate when he’s unavailable.

Could this be a big season for Gomez?

I think it could be.

Gomez has an opportunity to become extremely important under Iraola.

Not necessarily because he starts every week.

But because he could become the defender Iraola turns to when he needs reliability and flexibility.

If Liverpool are playing twice a week, rotation becomes essential.

If someone gets injured, Gomez can fill in.

If Iraola wants a more defensive full-back, Gomez can potentially provide it.

If Liverpool need another centre-back, he’s available.

That’s incredibly valuable.

The timing couldn’t be better

Liverpool have just closed the transfer window.

There are no more opportunities to strengthen the squad until January.

That means the players already at Anfield are going to have to deliver.

And Gomez returning could make a significant difference.

It’s easy to look at Liverpool’s squad and focus on the players they’ve bought.

Barcola.

Muñoz.

Araújo.

Jacquet.

But sometimes the most important boost comes from getting an existing player back.

Joe Gomez could be that player.

My verdict

I’m really encouraged by this update.

Liverpool still have defensive issues that need addressing.

I’m not suddenly going to pretend everything is perfect.

But getting Joe Gomez back into full training would be a massive boost.

He’s experienced.

He’s versatile.

He knows the club.

And he gives Iraola another option at a time when Liverpool need squad depth more than ever.

If he can return fully fit and stay fit, he could become one of the most useful players in this Liverpool squad.

And if he can make the squad for Fulham — or even earlier — that would be fantastic news.

Joe Gomez is nearly back.

And Liverpool could really do with him. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Sometimes the biggest opportunity can come from a decision not to sign someone.

And that could be exactly what has happened to Lewis Koumas.

The Liverpool youngster has now officially been promoted to the club’s first-team squad.

And after Liverpool decided not to sign another attacker during the final days of the transfer window, Koumas suddenly finds himself with a much bigger opportunity than many supporters might have expected.

Liverpool could have signed another attacker

There was plenty of speculation during the final days of the window that Liverpool could add another attacking player.

The club looked at different possibilities.

There were names linked with Anfield.

There were discussions.

There were opportunities.

But ultimately, Liverpool decided against making another attacking signing.

And that decision could be fantastic news for Koumas.

Because rather than bringing another player in ahead of him, Liverpool have effectively created a pathway for one of their own youngsters.

Now he has to take it.

Koumas has already shown he belongs

This isn’t simply Liverpool handing a youngster a place in the squad because they didn’t sign anyone else.

Koumas has already given supporters reasons to believe.

We’ve seen flashes of his ability.

He’s technically gifted.

He’s confident on the ball.

He’s capable of playing across the attacking line.

And, importantly, he doesn’t look frightened when given an opportunity against senior opposition.

That’s exactly what you want from a young Liverpool player.

This could be his breakthrough season

There is a huge difference between being a promising academy player and becoming a genuine first-team footballer.

Koumas is now entering that territory.

Being officially promoted to the first-team squad means he is no longer simply waiting for an opportunity from the outside.

He’s now part of the group.

He’s training alongside the senior players.

He’s competing for minutes.

And he’s going to be judged against players who cost Liverpool enormous transfer fees.

That’s the next challenge.

The door is open

Liverpool’s decision not to sign another attacker has created an interesting situation.

With Bradley Barcola now at Anfield, competition for attacking positions is fierce.

Cody Gakpo remains.

Alexander Isak is Liverpool’s main striker.

Florian Wirtz can operate in advanced positions.

And there are other options available to Andoni Iraola.

But Liverpool are going to need squad depth.

The season is long.

There will be injuries.

There will be suspensions.

There will be Champions League games.

There will be domestic cup matches.

And there will be occasions when Iraola needs fresh legs.

That’s where Koumas can come in.

This is what academy football should be about

For me, this is one of the most exciting things about Liverpool.

We can spend huge money on players like Barcola.

We can sign established stars from Europe’s biggest clubs.

But there should always be a pathway from the academy.

Liverpool have always been at their best when talented youngsters have been given the opportunity to prove themselves.

Koumas now has that opportunity.

And unlike some academy players, he hasn’t been handed a first-team place simply because Liverpool need numbers.

He’s earned the chance to show what he can do.

Iraola now has a decision to make

The next step is down to Andoni Iraola.

Does he trust Koumas enough to give him meaningful minutes?

Will he put him on the bench for Premier League games?

Will he use him in cup competitions?

Could he eventually become a genuine rotation option?

Those are questions only the manager can answer.

But the pathway is there.

And that matters.

Liverpool don’t need to buy for the sake of buying

This is something I’ve been saying throughout the transfer window.

I don’t believe Liverpool should sign players simply because supporters are demanding another signing.

If the right player isn’t available, sometimes the better solution is to look within your own squad.

That’s exactly what Liverpool have done with Koumas.

Rather than panic-buying another attacker late in the window, they have promoted one of their own.

Now we get to find out whether he can take advantage of it.

Koumas has to grab this opportunity

Of course, there is another side to this.

Being promoted doesn’t guarantee anything.

Koumas still has to earn Iraola’s trust.

He has to train well.

He has to perform when he gets opportunities.

And when he comes onto the pitch, he needs to show that he belongs at this level.

Young players don’t get unlimited chances.

Sometimes you get five minutes.

Sometimes you get 15.

Sometimes you get thrown into a difficult game.

You have to make those minutes count.

And that’s what Koumas needs to do.

Could Liverpool have another academy gem?

That’s the exciting question.

Every time Liverpool promote a youngster, supporters immediately wonder whether they could be the next Trent Alexander-Arnold, Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher or Robbie Fowler.

Obviously, those comparisons are unfair.

Koumas has to create his own story.

But the opportunity is now there.

And that’s all you can ask for.

Liverpool have effectively said:

Here’s your chance.

Now it’s up to him.

My verdict

I’m actually really pleased Liverpool didn’t panic and sign another attacker simply for the sake of it.

Yes, I still believe Liverpool could have done with more attacking depth.

And if injuries start piling up, we could revisit that decision.

But there is something incredibly satisfying about seeing Lewis Koumas promoted into the first-team squad instead.

He’s a Liverpool academy player.

He’s young.

He’s hungry.

And he’s got something to prove.

Liverpool have spent enormous amounts of money this summer.

But sometimes your next important signing doesn’t have to come from another club.

Sometimes he’s already at the AXA.

Lewis Koumas now has his opportunity.

The transfer window is closed.

There will be no more late attacking signing to stand in his way.

The door is open.

Now, Lewis…

Go through it. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Suddenly, the Lamine Camara story makes a lot more sense.

Liverpool supporters have spent the last few days wondering why the Reds didn’t make a serious move for the Monaco midfielder when an opportunity appeared to be there.

Camara was heavily linked with Chelsea.

The move to Stamford Bridge eventually collapsed.

Liverpool had reportedly been in contact with the player and Monaco, but ultimately decided against making a move this summer.

Now David Ornstein has provided another important piece of the puzzle.

And it could tell us exactly why Liverpool were prepared to wait.

If Mac Allister had left, Camara was Liverpool’s choice

Speaking after Deadline Day, Ornstein revealed that information had reached The Athletic suggesting Lamine Camara would have been Liverpool’s top choice if Alexis Mac Allister had left the club.

That is a huge revelation.

Ornstein said:

“If Alexis Mac Allister had left, their top choice would have been Lamine Camara from Monaco.”

He then suggested that Liverpool supporters may have to “watch this space” regarding Camara in the future.

And suddenly, the decision not to sign him this summer looks very different.

Liverpool didn’t necessarily decide that Camara wasn’t good enough.

Quite the opposite.

It appears they may have decided that they didn’t need him yet.

Liverpool already had their midfield options

Alexis Mac Allister remained at Anfield.

Ryan Gravenberch remained at Anfield.

Dominik Szoboszlai remained at Anfield.

And Liverpool had other midfield options available to Andoni Iraola.

So perhaps the club looked at the situation and decided there was no reason to spend a significant fee on another midfielder when the player they would potentially want to replace was still there.

That’s where Camara becomes particularly interesting.

Because if Mac Allister eventually leaves Liverpool, the situation changes completely.

Suddenly, there is a space.

And Liverpool may already know exactly who they want to fill it.

Camara could be Mac Allister’s successor

This is obviously not confirmation that Mac Allister will leave.

Far from it.

Liverpool still want him at the club and would reportedly like to extend his contract.

But football clubs have to plan ahead.

Mac Allister is now 27.

At some point, Liverpool will have to consider what their midfield looks like beyond him.

And if Ornstein’s information is correct, Lamine Camara could already be part of that succession planning.

That makes the decision to wait much easier to understand.

Liverpool could potentially bring Camara in next summer rather than signing him now.

But there is one big risk

There’s no guarantee Camara will still be available at the same price.

In fact, there is a very good chance he won’t be.

The Senegal international is only 22 and already has significant experience at club and international level.

If he has a brilliant season with Monaco, his value could rise.

Other clubs could become interested.

And suddenly Liverpool could find themselves competing for a player they might have been able to sign for considerably less this summer.

That’s the gamble.

Liverpool have chosen to wait.

Now they have to hope that decision doesn’t come back to haunt them.

Chelsea almost got there first

What’s particularly fascinating is just how close Camara came to joining Chelsea.

The Blues had reached an agreement with Monaco for the midfielder before the deal collapsed dramatically on Deadline Day.

Liverpool didn’t simply swoop in and steal him.

They didn’t need to.

Their plan appears to have been different.

If Mac Allister stayed, there was no need to sign Camara.

If Mac Allister left, Camara could have been the man they turned to.

And that suggests Liverpool had already thought about the scenario.

This could explain Liverpool’s summer midfield decision

I’ve been critical of Liverpool for not signing a midfielder this summer.

And I still believe they could have done with another one.

But this latest information changes the way I look at the situation.

Perhaps Liverpool weren’t ignoring the midfield.

Perhaps they were planning for the future.

There is a huge difference.

If Liverpool believe Camara is the right midfielder for their next stage, they may have decided it was better to wait rather than spend a significant amount of money on a player they didn’t immediately need.

That’s not necessarily bad squad planning.

In fact, it could be very clever.

But Liverpool are taking a gamble

Because the problem with waiting is that football doesn’t stand still.

Camara could become a superstar.

His price could increase.

Another club could offer him more money.

His preference could change.

Monaco could decide they want an enormous fee.

And suddenly Liverpool could be looking at a completely different transfer.

That’s why I would still have liked to see Liverpool make a stronger move this summer.

If they genuinely believe Camara is their man, sometimes you have to strike when the opportunity presents itself.

The player reportedly wants Liverpool

There is another reason for Liverpool supporters to remain interested.

Reports throughout the window suggested that Camara’s preference was Liverpool.

And when Chelsea’s deal collapsed, Liverpool reportedly told the midfielder and Monaco to wait, with the possibility of returning in 2027.

Liverpool.com reported that the club left the door open for a potential future move after deciding against signing him this summer.

Importantly, this wasn’t Liverpool hijacking Chelsea’s deal.

The reporting around the situation indicates Liverpool did not formally interfere with the Chelsea agreement.

Instead, the message was essentially:

Wait.

And now Ornstein’s information gives that message even more significance.

What happens if Mac Allister leaves?

This is the scenario Liverpool supporters should watch.

If Mac Allister remains at Anfield beyond this season, perhaps Camara stays on the radar.

But if Liverpool eventually lose the Argentine…

Lamine Camara could become the obvious candidate.

And if that happens, Liverpool will already have done much of the groundwork.

They know the player.

They know his representatives.

They know Monaco.

They know his preference.

And, according to Ornstein, they already know that he would be their preferred choice.

That’s a pretty good position to be in.

Maybe Liverpool knew exactly what they were doing

This is the part that makes me rethink the whole story.

At first, I looked at Liverpool failing to sign Camara and thought:

Why didn’t we just get the deal done?

Now I’m not so sure.

Maybe Liverpool didn’t want Camara to replace Mac Allister.

Maybe they wanted Camara to eventually replace Mac Allister.

Those are two very different things.

If that’s the thinking, Liverpool have potentially identified their next midfielder before they even need him.

That’s smart recruitment.

But it only works if Liverpool can actually get the deal done when the time comes.

My verdict

David Ornstein’s revelation could be one of the most important pieces of information to emerge from the Lamine Camara saga.

If Alexis Mac Allister had left Liverpool this summer, Camara would reportedly have been the club’s top choice.

That tells us something.

Liverpool clearly rate him.

The player reportedly likes Liverpool.

The club has maintained contact.

And Liverpool have apparently left the door open for a possible move in the future.

So perhaps this isn’t a case of Liverpool missing out on Lamine Camara.

Perhaps it’s a case of Liverpool deciding:

Not yet.

If Mac Allister stays, Liverpool can wait.

If Mac Allister eventually leaves, Camara could become the man they turn to.

And suddenly, the Monaco midfielder who Liverpool didn’t sign this summer could become one of the most important transfer stories at Anfield next year.

Watch this space.

Because I don’t think we’ve heard the last of Lamine Camara. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There has been plenty of talk about Liverpool and Lamine Camara over the past few days.

But I think the situation needs to be looked at slightly differently.

Because Liverpool didn’t simply miss out on Camara.

They didn’t suddenly discover that another club had beaten them to their preferred midfielder.

Liverpool and Camara maintained contact throughout the transfer window, and the feeling was that Liverpool were the midfielder’s preferred destination.

The deal was there to be done.

Chelsea had effectively reached an agreement with Monaco.

Monaco needed the money.

Camara was interested in Liverpool.

And yet Liverpool ultimately decided to wait.

The belief was that an agreement could potentially be reached in January for a move next summer.

And that’s where this story becomes fascinating.

So why didn’t Liverpool do the deal now?

This is the question I’ve been asking myself.

If Liverpool like Camara…

If Camara likes Liverpool…

If Monaco were prepared to sell…

And if the player was available…

Why wait?

There were obviously footballing and financial considerations involved.

Camara also has enormous respect for Flamengo boss Felipe Luís, and that played a part in the situation.

But his preference for Liverpool reportedly remained clear.

So this wasn’t simply a case of Camara choosing Chelsea over Liverpool.

It wasn’t Liverpool being beaten to their man.

Liverpool made a decision.

They chose to wait.

And personally, I think some of the decisions Liverpool made this summer help explain why.

Richard Hughes’ previous decisions matter

This is where Richard Hughes’ time at Liverpool becomes particularly interesting.

One of the biggest examples is Ryan Gravenberch.

Liverpool handed him a new contract.

That is understandable.

Gravenberch has developed enormously and has become an important player.

But once you’ve rewarded a midfielder with a significant new contract, there is another question to consider.

What happens if you immediately bring in another midfielder who could compete directly for his position?

Would that create an unnecessary problem?

Would the new signing be viewed as competition?

Would supporters start asking why Liverpool have just given Gravenberch a new contract if they’re now looking for someone to replace him?

I suspect those considerations mattered.

And then there is Alexis Mac Allister.

Liverpool, alongside Andoni Iraola, would reportedly like Mac Allister to be the next midfielder to extend his contract.

Again, completely understandable.

Mac Allister is hugely important.

But bringing in Camara could potentially complicate that situation.

And this is where I think Liverpool may have overthought things.

Was Liverpool’s thinking too cautious?

Because football squads cannot be built around avoiding competition.

Quite the opposite.

Competition is supposed to make your squad better.

If Liverpool genuinely believe Camara can become an elite midfielder, then his arrival shouldn’t be viewed as a threat to Gravenberch or Mac Allister.

It should be viewed as another player capable of pushing them.

That’s how elite football clubs operate.

You don’t avoid signing an excellent player because somebody else might feel threatened by the competition.

You sign the player because you believe he makes your squad stronger.

And this is where I think the Camara decision becomes frustrating.

Liverpool apparently had the opportunity.

But instead of taking it, they decided to wait.

👀 Look at the full-back situation

And I think we’ve seen similar thinking elsewhere this summer.

Take the right-back position.

Liverpool signed Jeremie Frimpong, but he hasn’t yet completely justified the investment.

That doesn’t mean Frimpong is a bad player.

Far from it.

But his start to life at Liverpool has highlighted the fact that the club could still have done with another option.

That’s why Liverpool explored a late loan for Malo Gusto.

But even that would only have been a temporary solution.

It would essentially have provided additional cover while Conor Bradley recovered from injury.

So Liverpool were looking at solutions around a problem rather than making a decisive long-term change.

Again, perhaps there were perfectly good reasons for doing so.

But it feels like a pattern.

And then there is Cody Gakpo

This is perhaps the most obvious example.

Liverpool handed Cody Gakpo a significant new contract.

Again, there is nothing wrong with that in itself.

Gakpo is a very good player.

He has produced important moments for Liverpool and proved his quality.

But stylistically, I don’t believe he is the perfect fit for everything Iraola wants from his attackers.

And that’s where the contradiction appears.

Liverpool recognised certain attacking requirements.

They explored alternatives.

Yet instead of addressing the imbalance directly, the club explored options involving players who were injured or arguably less suited to the profile they actually needed.

And Gakpo stayed.

Liverpool ultimately rejected a huge offer from Manchester City.

Around £85m could potentially have been generated from his departure.

That’s an enormous amount of money.

And it could have been reinvested into the squad.

Instead, Liverpool kept Gakpo.

Again, that isn’t necessarily the wrong decision.

But it demonstrates the dilemma.

Liverpool didn’t want to undermine a player they had just rewarded.

They didn’t want to lose a valuable squad member.

They didn’t want to create another hole.

And so the opportunity to make a significant change was allowed to pass.

This is why the Camara situation is different

That’s why I don’t think we should describe the Lamine Camara situation simply as:

Liverpool missed out.

They didn’t.

Liverpool still like him.

Camara still likes Liverpool.

The relationship has been maintained.

Liverpool apparently believe they can potentially return for him in 2027.

And the player reportedly still sees Liverpool as his preferred destination.

That is a very different situation from losing a transfer battle.

Liverpool haven’t necessarily lost Camara.

They’ve chosen to wait for him.

And that could prove to be a very clever decision.

Or it could come back to haunt them.

Waiting comes with a risk

Because Monaco aren’t stupid.

If Camara has another outstanding season, his value could increase significantly.

Liverpool may be thinking they can negotiate a better deal next summer.

But what if his price goes up?

What if another Premier League club comes in?

What if Real Madrid or another European giant decides they want him?

What if Camara becomes one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe?

Suddenly, the deal Liverpool could have done this summer might look very different.

That’s the gamble they’ve taken.

And Liverpool still needed a midfielder

This is the part I struggle with most.

Liverpool finished the window without adding the midfielder I believe they needed.

And that isn’t because Camara wasn’t available.

It’s because Liverpool chose not to make that move.

Maybe Iraola genuinely believes the current midfield can provide everything he needs.

Maybe Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and the other options will prove sufficient.

I hope they do.

But I still believe Liverpool needed more balance.

And if Camara was genuinely regarded as a long-term target, I would have preferred Liverpool to bring him in now.

Good players shouldn’t be avoided because they create competition.

They should be welcomed.

But Richard Hughes is no longer Liverpool’s problem

And this is where the story takes another interesting turn.

Richard Hughes has now left Liverpool.

He is no longer responsible for Liverpool’s transfer decisions.

He is no longer the person who has to decide whether Camara fits alongside Gravenberch.

He doesn’t have to worry about whether signing another midfielder could complicate Mac Allister’s contract negotiations.

He doesn’t have to decide whether Gakpo’s new contract makes another attacking signing awkward.

He doesn’t have to decide whether Liverpool should strengthen the right-back position.

He is Al Hilal’s problem now.

And perhaps that is the biggest difference of all.

Liverpool now have a chance to move differently

Liverpool’s next transfer decisions should be based on one thing:

Does this player make the team better?

Not whether he might upset somebody.

Not whether he might create competition.

Not whether we have recently handed somebody a new contract.

Not whether signing him makes another decision more difficult.

If Camara is good enough, sign him.

If another midfielder is better, sign him.

If another right-back is needed, sign him.

If another attacker fits Iraola’s system better, sign him.

That’s how you build a squad capable of competing at the very highest level.

Maybe waiting for Camara will prove to be brilliant

I don’t want this article to become an attack on Liverpool simply because they didn’t sign Camara.

There is a perfectly reasonable argument for waiting.

Perhaps Liverpool believe they can get him next summer.

Perhaps Camara genuinely wants Liverpool.

Perhaps Monaco will eventually accept a sensible fee.

And perhaps Liverpool will look back in 12 months and say:

We got exactly what we wanted.

If that happens, I’ll happily admit the club got it right.

But I still believe Liverpool took a risk.

Because when you have a player you like, a player who reportedly likes you, and a club that needs to sell, opportunities like that don’t come around every day.

My verdict

The Lamine Camara story isn’t really about Liverpool losing a transfer battle.

It’s about Liverpool choosing not to fight it now.

And I find that much more interesting.

The club apparently maintained contact with Camara throughout the window.

His preference reportedly remained Liverpool.

Monaco were under financial pressure.

Chelsea had effectively reached an agreement.

Liverpool could have tried to make it happen.

Instead, they decided to wait.

Maybe that will prove to be excellent planning.

Maybe it will prove to be another missed opportunity.

But one thing is certain.

Liverpool like Lamine Camara.

Lamine Camara likes Liverpool.

And the door hasn’t been closed.

The biggest difference now is that the man who helped make those decisions at Liverpool is gone.

Richard Hughes is no longer Liverpool’s problem.

He’s Al Hilal’s problem.

And perhaps, for Liverpool, that’s exactly what they need.

A fresh approach.

A willingness to embrace competition.

And a transfer strategy based on one simple question:

Does this make Liverpool better?

If the answer is yes…

Sign him.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Today, as Liverpool supporters remember and celebrate the birthday of the great Bill Shankly, I find myself thinking about something that has been on my mind throughout this summer.

Have Liverpool really done enough?

Shankly was born in Glenbuck, Scotland, on September 2, 1913, before going on to become the man who transformed Liverpool Football Club after arriving at Anfield in 1959.

He didn’t just build a football team.

He helped build the identity of Liverpool Football Club.

He understood what the club could become.

He understood the importance of the supporters.

And, perhaps most importantly, he never accepted mediocrity.

So on the anniversary of his birth, I can’t help looking at Liverpool’s transfer business and wondering what Shankly would have made of it.

There is plenty to be excited about

Let’s be fair.

Liverpool have spent an enormous amount of money this summer.

They have brought in some genuinely exciting players.

Bradley Barcola is the obvious headline.

Liverpool have finally completed the signing of the French winger from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £106m initially, potentially rising to £123m.

And I absolutely love the signing.

Barcola is the sort of player who makes you want to get out of your seat.

He’s quick.

He’s direct.

He can beat defenders.

He can create.

And there is something about watching him that makes you think there is another level waiting to come out of him.

Then there is Victor Muñoz, another player I am really excited about.

Ronald Araújo gives Liverpool a hugely experienced defender on loan from Barcelona.

Jérémy Jacquet has now arrived at Liverpool after his transfer from Rennes was agreed earlier in the year.

And there are also longer-term additions such as Lucca Brughmans and Djylian N’Guessan.

So this isn’t a summer where Liverpool have sat on their hands.

Far from it.

There has been ambition.

There has been serious investment.

And there have been some fantastic signings.

But something still doesn’t feel right

And this is where I keep coming back to Shankly.

Because despite all that money being spent, I still feel as though Liverpool have left this squad unfinished.

And that’s what frustrates me.

I don’t think Liverpool needed to spend another £100m just for the sake of it.

I don’t think every position needed another player.

But there were some glaring weaknesses that I believe should have been addressed.

We needed a defensive midfielder

This was my biggest concern going into the summer.

And it remains my biggest concern now.

Liverpool needed someone who could give the midfield protection.

Someone who could win the ball.

Someone who could read danger.

Someone who could give the more attacking players the freedom to express themselves.

Instead, Liverpool have gone into the season without that specialist defensive midfielder.

Maybe Iraola can make his system work without one.

Maybe the midfield will eventually develop the necessary balance.

But after watching the opening games, I’m not convinced.

And that worries me.

We needed a right-back

This is another position where I think Liverpool should have done more.

Jeremie Frimpong is an exciting footballer.

But he isn’t the conventional defensive right-back some Liverpool supporters were hoping for.

And when you look at the demands placed on the full-backs in modern football, you need players who can contribute at both ends of the pitch.

We’ve already seen moments this season where Liverpool have looked vulnerable in those areas.

I don’t think another right-back would have been an unnecessary luxury.

I think it was a genuine need.

And then there is Mohamed Salah

This is probably the most difficult one.

Because how do you replace Mohamed Salah?

You probably don’t.

But Liverpool still needed to replace what Salah gave the team.

Goals.

Assists.

Pace.

Consistency.

Fear.

The ability to win a game almost by himself.

Barcola is an outstanding signing and could become a superstar at Anfield.

But he isn’t Salah.

And Liverpool still don’t have a natural right-winger who looks like an obvious successor to the Egyptian.

That leaves a huge hole.

And what happens if Isak gets injured?

This is another area that concerns me.

Liverpool have Alexander Isak.

And I absolutely believe in him.

But with Hugo Ekitike unavailable long term, Liverpool have lost an important option from the forward line.

What happens if Isak gets injured?

What happens if he needs a rest during a Champions League run?

What happens when Liverpool are playing every three days?

That’s when squad depth becomes incredibly important.

And I don’t think Liverpool have quite enough of it in attack.

We’ve spent almost £400m — so why am I still worried?

This is the strange thing.

Liverpool have spent a huge amount of money.

The summer has included major investment, with Barcola alone costing a guaranteed £106m and potentially £123m with add-ons.

Yet I still look at the squad and see weaknesses.

That’s what makes this summer so difficult to judge.

On one hand, we’ve signed some incredibly exciting footballers.

On the other, we’ve failed to address some positions that I believe were obvious weaknesses.

It’s possible to be excited by the signings and frustrated by the squad building at the same time.

That’s exactly where I am.

What would Shankly have thought?

Obviously, none of us can know.

But I like to think Shankly would have looked beyond the price tags.

He wouldn’t have been impressed simply because Liverpool spent more than everyone else.

He would have wanted to know:

Have we built the best team we possibly can?

Have we strengthened the weaknesses?

Have we given the manager the tools he needs?

Have we built a squad capable of competing with the best?

And most importantly:

Are we giving the supporters something to believe in?

That’s what Shankly was so good at.

He made Liverpool supporters believe.

He made them feel part of something.

And that standard has stayed with the football club long after his departure.

That’s why I’m giving this summer 4/10

I’ve thought long and hard about this.

Because if I judged the window purely on the excitement of the signings, I’d give it much higher.

Barcola alone makes me excited.

Muñoz looks hugely promising.

Araújo is a fantastic addition.

Jacquet could become an excellent Liverpool defender.

The youngsters arriving for the future could prove to be very clever business.

But a transfer window isn’t just about signing exciting players.

It’s about building a complete squad.

And for me, Liverpool haven’t done that.

No defensive midfielder.

No specialist right-back.

No direct replacement for Salah.

No adequate additional striker option with Ekitike out long term.

Those are four massive concerns.

That’s why I can’t go beyond 4/10.

Maybe I’m being too negative

I hope I am.

I genuinely do.

I hope Barcola scores 25 goals.

I hope Muñoz becomes a star.

I hope Araújo stays fit and dominates.

I hope Frimpong and Kerkez become brilliant in Iraola’s system.

I hope the midfield develops into exactly what the manager wants.

And I hope Alexander Isak stays fit and scores 30 goals.

Because if all of that happens, I’ll happily come back here and admit I got it completely wrong.

I’d love nothing more.

But today is about Shankly

And perhaps that’s why I’ve been thinking about this so much.

Bill Shankly wasn’t satisfied with Liverpool simply being good.

He wanted Liverpool to be Liverpool.

He wanted standards.

He wanted ambition.

He wanted the club to look forward rather than settle for what it already had.

Liverpool have spent big this summer.

They have made some exciting signings.

They have given supporters reasons to dream.

But I still believe they should have done more.

Not because I want Liverpool to spend another £200m.

Not because I expect every position to have two world-class players.

But because I believe there were weaknesses that everyone could see.

And on the anniversary of the birth of the man who helped turn Liverpool into the club we know today, that is what sticks with me.

Happy birthday, Bill

Shankly’s legacy isn’t measured by how much money Liverpool spend.

It isn’t measured by transfer fees.

It isn’t even measured solely by trophies.

It’s about the mentality he helped create.

Never settle.

Always strive to improve.

Always believe Liverpool can be better.

That’s why, despite the excitement surrounding Barcola and the other new arrivals, I still look at this Liverpool squad and think:

We should have done more.

Maybe the players already here will prove me wrong.

Maybe Iraola will find the answers.

Maybe Barcola will become the next superstar at Anfield.

I certainly hope so.

But if Shankly’s birthday teaches us anything, it’s that Liverpool should never be afraid to demand more.

Happy birthday, Bill.

Thank you for giving us the Liverpool Football Club we love.

And hopefully, wherever you are, you’re still demanding that we do better.

Because that’s exactly what I’ll be doing.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool have reportedly told Lamine Camara and Monaco to wait.

And this could be one of the most interesting developments to come out of the transfer window after all.

According to Ben Jacobs, Liverpool made multiple calls to Camara’s camp and Monaco on Tuesday evening with a very simple message:

Wait.

Liverpool don’t want Camara now.

But they could potentially want him in 2027.

Jacobs has also been very clear that Liverpool did not interfere with Chelsea’s proposed deal for the midfielder. Chelsea’s move collapsed after Monaco pulled out of the agreement late in the process.

And that distinction is important.

Because Liverpool appear to have been thinking further ahead.

Liverpool don’t want Camara now

This is the part that surprised me.

Liverpool have been linked with Camara for some time, and the Senegal international looked like exactly the type of midfielder the Reds could have used this summer.

Yet Jacobs says Liverpool never explored signing him for this window.

Instead, the club apparently told Camara that if his move to Chelsea didn’t happen, Liverpool could potentially return for him in 2027.

That suggests Liverpool already have a longer-term plan for the player.

Jacobs explained that Liverpool’s current midfield situation, including the continued presence of Alexis Mac Allister, meant they did not want Camara immediately.

So this isn’t Liverpool suddenly trying to sign him.

It’s Liverpool potentially putting themselves in pole position for the future.

Chelsea thought they had Camara

The timing makes this story even crazier.

Chelsea had reached an agreement with Monaco for Camara, with reports putting the fee at around £47m.

The player had reportedly completed his medical and agreed personal terms on a long-term contract.

But Monaco then pulled the plug.

The situation was linked to the uncertainty surrounding Folarin Balogun’s proposed move to Everton, with Monaco apparently deciding they could not afford to lose Camara without the wider financial picture being resolved.

Chelsea were understandably furious.

And suddenly Camara was left without the transfer he thought he was getting.

That’s when Liverpool’s message reportedly arrived.

Wait.

Liverpool could be planning for 2027

This is where I find the story fascinating.

Liverpool have just closed a transfer window in which one of their biggest criticisms was the failure to sign another midfielder.

I completely understand why supporters are frustrated.

I wanted another midfielder.

I still think Liverpool need another midfielder.

But perhaps the club has already identified the player it wants.

Lamine Camara.

The difference is that Liverpool apparently don’t believe the time is right to sign him yet.

That could mean Liverpool are planning to revisit the situation next summer.

And if Camara remains at Monaco and continues developing, Liverpool could potentially make their move then.

But Monaco could make this very difficult

There is one obvious problem.

Monaco know Liverpool are interested.

And they now know that Camara could potentially be worth significantly more in the future.

Reports suggest Monaco believe they could command around €70m for the midfielder rather than the lower fee that was being discussed with Chelsea.

So Liverpool’s decision to wait could eventually cost them more money.

That’s the gamble.

Liverpool might believe that another year of development will make Camara an even better player.

But if he becomes one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders, Monaco won’t have any reason to sell cheaply.

Is Camara the midfielder Liverpool need?

This is where I have to admit I’m intrigued.

Camara is exactly the type of midfielder Liverpool could eventually benefit from.

He’s young.

He’s athletic.

He’s technically gifted.

And he has already established himself at international level with Senegal.

Liverpool need to think about the future of their midfield.

Mac Allister isn’t going anywhere, but the squad needs more options and greater balance.

And if Liverpool’s recruitment team genuinely believes Camara can become an important player at Anfield, perhaps they have decided that waiting one year is worth the risk.

But I still think Liverpool needed someone now

This is where I wouldn’t completely defend the club’s decision.

Because while Camara could be a fantastic signing in 2027, Liverpool still have a problem today.

We’ve already seen concerns about the midfield.

There have been moments when the team has looked vulnerable when possession is lost.

There isn’t enough defensive protection in front of the back four.

And Liverpool have a long season ahead.

So if the plan really is to wait for Camara, Liverpool still needed to find another solution for this season.

They didn’t.

And that’s why I gave Liverpool’s summer transfer window just 4/10.

Could waiting actually prove to be clever?

Maybe.

This could look completely different in 12 months.

Imagine Camara stays at Monaco, plays another full season and becomes an even better midfielder.

Liverpool then come back for him knowing exactly what they’re getting.

They have already established a relationship with his camp.

They have already made their interest clear.

And Camara knows Liverpool could be an option.

That’s a pretty good position to be in.

But there’s also the other possibility.

Camara has an outstanding season.

Chelsea come back.

Manchester City become interested.

Arsenal enter the race.

Real Madrid or another European giant start watching him.

Suddenly Liverpool aren’t negotiating with Monaco from a position of strength.

They’re competing in another bidding war.

This could be one to watch

For me, that’s what makes this story so interesting.

Liverpool didn’t want Camara now.

But they clearly don’t want to lose the possibility of signing him later.

That’s why the message to both the player and Monaco was reportedly:

Wait.

Jacobs has stressed that Liverpool did not interfere with Chelsea’s deal.

Instead, the Reds simply made their future intentions clear: if Camara’s move didn’t happen, Liverpool could potentially return for him in 2027.

And suddenly a transfer that looked completely dead for Liverpool this summer could become one to watch next year.

My verdict

I’m still disappointed Liverpool didn’t sign a midfielder this summer.

I think Iraola needed another option.

But if Lamine Camara is genuinely the player Liverpool believe can become that midfielder, I can understand the thinking behind waiting.

The risk is that someone else gets there first.

Or Monaco decide they want £70m+.

Or Camara has an incredible season and his value explodes.

Liverpool have essentially told the player:

Don’t close the door on us.

Now they have to hope that door is still open in 2027.

Because if Camara develops the way Liverpool apparently believe he can…

this could be one of those transfers where we look back and realise the club was planning much further ahead than we thought. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool’s summer transfer window is finally closed.

The rumours are over.

The deadline-day drama is finished.

And we can finally look at Liverpool’s business as a whole and decide whether the club actually gave Andoni Iraola the squad he needs.

For me, the answer is not quite.

There are some hugely exciting players coming through the door, but there are also some glaring omissions.

So despite the excitement surrounding Bradley Barcola, Victor Muñoz and the other additions, I’m giving Liverpool’s summer transfer window just 4/10.

And I know that might sound harsh.

But hear me out.

Let’s look at every addition

Liverpool’s 2026 recruitment has brought in a mixture of established talent, exciting youngsters and players for the future.

🇫🇷 Jérémy Jacquet — Rennes → Liverpool

🇪🇸 Victor Muñoz — Osasuna → Liverpool | £34.5m

🇺🇾 Ronald Araújo — Barcelona → Liverpool | Loan

🇫🇷 Bradley Barcola — PSG → Liverpool | £106m rising to around £123m

🇧🇪 Lucca Brughmans — Genk → Liverpool | around £30m, arriving in 2027

🇫🇷 Djylian N’Guessan — Saint-Étienne → Liverpool | around £4.3m

There is certainly talent there.

And Barcola alone gives Liverpool supporters something incredibly exciting to look forward to.

But transfer windows aren’t judged simply by the quality of the players you sign.

They’re judged by whether you’ve built a balanced squad.

That’s where I have my doubts.

Barcola is a fantastic signing

Let’s start with the obvious positive.

Bradley Barcola is exactly the type of player Liverpool needed.

He’s quick.

He’s direct.

He’s capable of beating defenders.

He can create something out of nothing.

And after watching Liverpool struggle at times to provide enough service to Alexander Isak, having another player capable of carrying the ball forward and creating chances could be hugely important.

The reported deal could reach around £123m, making Barcola one of the biggest signings in Liverpool’s history.

I absolutely love the signing.

But there is one problem.

Liverpool needed more than one attacker.

Muñoz gives Liverpool another option

Victor Muñoz is another exciting addition.

The Spanish winger arrived from Osasuna for around £34.5m and gives Iraola another young attacking option.

He’s direct, energetic and has already shown that he isn’t afraid to take responsibility.

I like the signing.

But again, Liverpool have lost Mohamed Salah.

And while Muñoz can help compensate for that loss, he cannot realistically be expected to replace everything Salah gave Liverpool.

Araújo could prove extremely important

Ronald Araújo is another player I really like.

Liverpool have brought him in from Barcelona on loan, giving Iraola an experienced and versatile defender.

Considering the defensive problems we’ve already seen, Araújo could be extremely useful.

He can play centre-back and provide cover in other defensive positions.

That’s valuable.

But it’s also worth remembering that a loan doesn’t solve Liverpool’s long-term problems.

And it certainly doesn’t answer my biggest question at right-back.

Jacquet is Konate’s replacement at the moment.

Jérémy Jacquet is another exciting young defender who has been added to the squad.

Liverpool clearly see enormous potential in him.

He’s another example of the club investing in young players who could become important for years to come.

But once again, I have to separate potential from immediate squad needs.

Liverpool aren’t simply building for 2028.

They are trying to compete now.

🇧🇪 Brughmans and 🇫🇷 N’Guessan are exciting projects

Lucca Brughmans is clearly a long-term investment.

Liverpool have agreed a reported £30m deal for the Genk goalkeeper, with the youngster remaining at Genk before joining Liverpool in 2027.

Then there’s Djylian N’Guessan.

The young Saint-Étienne forward is another relatively low-cost gamble on a player who could develop into something special.

I have no problem with either signing.

In fact, I like them.

But neither player fixes one of the problems Liverpool have right now.

And that’s the issue.

No defensive midfielder

This is the biggest omission for me.

Liverpool needed another defensive midfielder.

I don’t necessarily mean they needed to go out and find another Fabinho.

But they needed somebody capable of giving the team greater protection when possession is lost.

We’ve already seen Liverpool become vulnerable through the middle.

When the attack breaks down, there can be too much space in front of the defence.

That puts pressure on the centre-backs.

It exposes the full-backs.

And it makes Liverpool vulnerable on the counter.

Maybe Iraola can solve that tactically.

Maybe he believes his midfielders are capable of providing the necessary balance.

But I still think Liverpool should have added another player in that position.

They didn’t.

And that’s a huge reason why I’m giving this window 4/10.

No right-back

This is another one that really bothers me.

Liverpool needed another right-back.

Frimpong can be devastating going forward, but there are defensive concerns.

And if he gets injured or suspended, the options become limited.

Araújo can provide cover, but he’s not a specialist solution to the problem.

Over a season involving the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, Liverpool are going to need depth.

I don’t think they have enough at right-back.

Salah hasn’t been replaced

Then there’s the biggest departure.

Mohamed Salah has left Liverpool.

And I’m not convinced Liverpool have properly replaced him.

Barcola is brilliant.

I genuinely believe he could become a superstar.

But replacing Salah isn’t simply about signing another winger.

Salah gave Liverpool goals.

Assists.

Experience.

Consistency.

Big-game moments.

And an incredible number of appearances.

Liverpool have to hope Barcola, Gakpo, Muñoz and the other attacking players collectively make up for what has been lost.

That could happen.

But it’s a huge gamble.

Ekitike’s absence makes the striker situation even more worrying

Then there’s another issue that has become impossible to ignore.

Hugo Ekitike is out long term.

That leaves Alexander Isak as Liverpool’s main recognised striker.

And just to be clear, Isak is not a 2026 summer signing. He arrived last summer.

But that doesn’t change the fact that Liverpool needed to consider his backup when planning this window.

What happens if Isak gets injured?

What happens if he needs a rest?

What happens if he is suspended?

Liverpool are competing on multiple fronts.

They need options.

I would have liked to see another striker brought in.

Instead, Liverpool have gone into the season with a significant amount of responsibility resting on Isak.

Spending money isn’t the same as completing the squad

This is probably the biggest point I want to make.

Nobody can say Liverpool haven’t spent money.

Barcola alone represents an enormous investment.

Muñoz cost significant money.

Jacquet was another major investment.

Brughmans is a huge fee for a teenage goalkeeper.

But I don’t judge a transfer window by the amount spent.

I judge it by the squad left behind.

And when I look at Liverpool’s squad, I see some brilliant players.

But I also see holes.

No defensive midfielder.

No specialist right-back.

No direct replacement for Salah.

No adequate backup for Isak while Ekitike is unavailable.

Those are four significant concerns.

Iraola has been left with a difficult job

And this is why I feel for Iraola.

He’s been given some fantastic players.

But he’s also been given a squad that isn’t perfect.

He now has to find ways of making it work.

Maybe he gets the midfield balance right.

Maybe Frimpong stays fit.

Maybe Barcola immediately explodes into Premier League life.

Maybe Isak stays fit for the entire season.

Maybe Gakpo produces his best-ever numbers.

Maybe one of the youngsters becomes a genuine first-team option.

I hope all of those things happen.

But Liverpool shouldn’t need everything to go perfectly.

My final rating: 4/10

So, after looking at every addition, my rating remains:

Liverpool: 4/10

It’s not because I dislike the signings.

Quite the opposite.

I’m incredibly excited about Barcola.

I like Muñoz.

I like Araújo.

I think Jacquet has huge potential.

Brughmans could be an excellent long-term investment.

And N’Guessan is another exciting gamble.

But Liverpool’s transfer window wasn’t simply about finding talented players.

It was about giving a new manager the tools to compete.

And I don’t think they’ve done that.

They’ve signed some fantastic players.

They just haven’t completed the squad.

That’s the difference.

Now the window is closed.

There are no more transfers to fix these problems.

It’s down to Iraola.

And, ultimately, the players Liverpool have given him.

I really hope I’m wrong.

Because if Barcola becomes the superstar I believe he can be, Muñoz develops quickly, Araújo strengthens the defence and the midfield somehow finds the necessary balance, this Liverpool team could still be incredibly exciting.

But standing here at the end of the transfer window?

4/10 from me.

Liverpool have given us plenty to be excited about.

They’ve also left us with plenty to worry about.

And now we find out whether those concerns were justified. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

When Liverpool spent £125 million on Alexander Isak, everyone knew what they were getting: an elite striker capable of scoring goals, linking play and creating problems for defenders.

So when he has a quiet game, it’s easy to point the finger at him.

But I think Liverpool have a much bigger problem.

And it isn’t Isak.

It’s the team around him.

Liverpool aren’t creating enough for Isak

We saw it against Nottingham Forest.

Isak touched the ball just 13 times in 90 minutes — an astonishingly low number for a Liverpool striker.

That statistic tells you more about Liverpool’s performance than it does about the striker.

The problem wasn’t simply that Isak wasn’t getting chances.

Liverpool weren’t getting the ball into dangerous areas quickly enough to create those chances.

The passing is too slow

One of my biggest concerns from the Forest game was the speed of Liverpool’s passing.

There were too many occasions when the ball was moved slowly from side to side, allowing Forest to get everyone behind the ball and organise their defence.

And when Liverpool eventually played forward, the passes were often in front of the Forest defence rather than behind it.

That’s where Liverpool need to improve.

There has to be more urgency and more willingness to play through the lines.

Where are the runners?

This is perhaps the biggest issue.

Liverpool need players willing to run beyond the defence.

If Isak drops towards the ball, somebody needs to attack the space he’s created.

If he occupies a centre-back, another player needs to threaten the space behind.

If Wirtz receives the ball between the lines, there needs to be movement ahead of him.

Too often against Forest, there wasn’t enough.

That made Liverpool predictable and allowed Forest to defend relatively comfortably.

The crossing needs to improve

Liverpool’s delivery into the box was another problem.

Too many crosses against Forest were overhit, easily cleared or played into areas where Isak had little chance of getting on the end of them.

Liverpool can’t simply put the ball into the box and expect Isak to win everything.

They need to deliver with greater quality and variety.

Wirtz gives me hope

The encouraging thing is that Florian Wirtz already looks capable of helping solve some of these problems.

Against Forest, he was arguably Liverpool’s biggest attacking threat.

He had a goal disallowed after Frimpong was offside, forced a good save with his header and eventually created Victor Muñoz’s equaliser.

He wants to receive the ball between the lines.

He wants to turn.

He wants to play forward.

That’s exactly what Liverpool need more of.

Imagine Wirtz receiving the ball in the pocket and immediately having runners attacking the space ahead of him.

That’s the combination I’m desperate to see.

Barcola could change everything

Then there’s Bradley Barcola.

Liverpool have spent £123 million to bring in a player who can provide something the team desperately needs:

Explosiveness.

Barcola can take defenders on, carry the ball, attack space and force opposition defences to retreat.

That’s important because Liverpool currently need more players capable of creating something themselves rather than relying on patient possession.

If Barcola can consistently beat his man and attack the space behind the full-back, it could create much more room for Liverpool’s central attackers.

Iraola has to find the balance

This is where Andoni Iraola has a huge job.

He’s inherited a team with an enormous amount of attacking talent.

Wirtz.

Isak.

Barcola.

Gakpo.

Muñoz.

And others.

But having talented players isn’t enough.

He needs to create a system that allows them to complement each other.

Liverpool have had huge changes this summer and Iraola is still finding his best combinations.

But the Premier League won’t wait forever for him to figure it out.

The full-back problem makes it harder

There’s another issue.

Liverpool’s full-backs are expected to provide width and attacking support, but there are still defensive concerns with the new-look positions.

That creates a difficult balancing act.

If Frimpong and Kerkez push forward, Liverpool need midfielders capable of protecting the defence.

If they stay deeper, Liverpool can become too narrow.

And when Liverpool become predictable, the opposition can concentrate on stopping the central threat.

Everything is connected.

This is Iraola’s problem to solve

I don’t think Liverpool have bought the wrong striker.

I think they’ve bought an outstanding striker and now need to build an attacking structure that allows him to thrive.

The ingredients are there.

Wirtz creating.

Barcola running at defenders.

Gakpo providing another option.

Muñoz offering directness.

And Isak finishing the chances.

But Iraola has to make it work.

At the moment, Liverpool can be too slow and predictable.

The ball goes sideways.

The opposition gets organised.

The crosses aren’t good enough.

There aren’t enough runners.

And the attack becomes easier to defend against.

That’s the problem.

My verdict

I’m actually very excited about what this Liverpool attack could eventually become.

But there is still plenty of work to do.

Iraola needs to increase the tempo, get more players running beyond the defence and find better ways of getting Liverpool’s attacking players into dangerous positions.

Because Liverpool didn’t spend £125 million on Isak to have him watching the game from the edge of the action.

Get the structure right, get the service right and let the striker do what he does best.

I have a feeling the goals will follow. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)