The new Premier League season is upon us, and for Liverpool that means the real start of the Andoni Iraola era. But many Reds fans are growing concerned at the lack of transfer business at Anfield, with more focus on players leaving the club rather than those coming in.
Liverpool correspondent Paul Gorst answered questions from supporters, addressing the club's needs in midfield and attack.
Midfield concerns after Jones departure
Scott asked: "I think we will need two midfielders if Curtis Jones goes. Can you see them doing that?" Gorst responded: "I would agree with you that Liverpool need at least one midfielder with Curtis now on the cusp of leaving for Inter. At the time of writing, he is due to have a medical in Milan ahead of a £30m move. My honest belief is that they won't look to do anything in that position, however."
"Unless a 'market opportunity' arises in the final days of the window - in the same way a deal for Marc Guehi was looking likely until the 11th hour last year - I think Liverpool will look to promote Trey Nyoni to the first-team picture more regularly."
Gorst added: "I am just not buying that Nyoni will be 'like a new signing' because he was available for selection every single week last season under Arne Slot, but he has definitely looked sharp in pre-season at least. That being said, my own opinion is that Liverpool need at least one senior midfielder before the window closes now Jones is leaving. It looks like Iraola prefers a two-man pivot rather than a three-man midfield but that doesn't mean Liverpool are fine to shed themselves of someone like Jones without a contingency."
Defensive midfield debate continues
Benjamin Owusu Ampomah asked: "When are we signing a DM like Manu Kone?" Gorst noted: "The debate has raged around Liverpool's need for a 'DM' (defensive midfielder) for years. Since Fabinho's form fell off a cliff at the start of the 22/23 season, in fact. At his best the Brazilian was one of the best around but the Reds haven't had that type of player for years now."
"There's a school of thought that suggest they don't need one and if you keep the ball you won't have to defend as much against it, in the manner that PSG do so well with the likes of Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves. But look at who won the trophies in England last season... Arsenal and Manchester City both had the power of Declan Rice and Rodri in their respective engine rooms."
"Liverpool have tried and failed to recruit a more teak-tough defensive-minded midfielder for years. Moises Caicedo and Martin Zubimendi, to name just two, in the last three years. Despite that, I still have doubts that they will address this before the window closes."
Winger targets and Gakpo situation
Orrin Thompson asked: "Just wondering how worried are you that the club might have left it too late to do the business they need in the transfer window?" Gorst replied: "It is a concern, for sure. Liverpool, we know, have been in talks with PSG for Bradley Barcola for a number of weeks and that mythical winger - who Andoni Iraola confessed he wanted to see arrive at the club a month ago - is still no nearer to arriving."
"For my money, they need two, especially if Cody Gakpo leaves the club for Tottenham Hotspur. That's before we get to the midfield issue. You could ask 10 fans how many players do you think Liverpool need before the window closes and I bet none of them would say the squad is fine as it is. It absolutely has to be a busy few days in that regard."
Marcus Vinícius asked: "What's your understanding about the Cody Gakpo situation? Is he about to be sold or not?" Gorst said: "Tottenham are undoubtedly interested and Gakpo is not the sort of character to rock the boat, push for a move or do anything unprofessional to force his departure. But I think it's fair to reflect there is some unease in the Gakpo camp about the possibility of Liverpool breaking their club record for a player who operates primarily in his position."
"Liverpool insist they aren't looking to sell and state that it is that area of the pitch where they are instead looking to strengthen. But let's face it, a huge offer from Spurs would surely give them something to consider. Iraola needs at least one winger though and that's before we entertain talk of Gakpo leaving. At some point, the chatter of players leaving has to stop and arrivals need to come the other way."
Barcola deal and overall outlook
Carolyn asked: "How do you see this Barcola business playing out?" Gorst responded: "By all accounts, Barcola is really keen to become a big part of the Liverpool squad so the hard yards in that sense are done. However, negotiating with a club like PSG - already one of the wealthiest in world football following successive Champions League triumphs - complicates matters. In that sense Liverpool have had to be patient all summer and this might drag into the final days. I think he becomes a Liverpool player but the issue is at what price?"
"PSG have boosted their numbers now with the additions of Ferran Torres, Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts, so surely Barcola (and his team-mate Ibrahim Mbaye) are surplus to requirements now?"
jpwred316 asked: "How many players do you believe we will sign before the window closes?" Gorst answered: "That's a difficult one to answer. If you ask how many do I think they need, I would say a minimum of three. A midfielder to cover Curtis Jones's departure and a couple of wingers, ideally one who can operate centrally too, while Hugo Ekitike remains sidelined. Liverpool are one Alexander Isak injury away from panic stations. If Cody Gakpo leaves I think they need three forwards and a midfielder. But I don't think Liverpool will be anywhere near that proactive."
"If you set aside the £60m earmarked for Jeremy Jacquet that was agreed in January, Liverpool are roughly at even for their outlay this summer, having agreed a £30m deal for Curtis Jones after signing Victor Munoz for £34.5m. Of course there is last summer's historic spend to consider but with Champions League qualification on the docket, there should be enough funds to give Iraola the squad he needs to improve things."
