Liverpool icon John Aldridge has sounded out a harsh verdict on Liverpool’s summer business which was quite insignificant compared to rival clubs across England’s top flight.
The likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea spent big amounts on marquee names in the transfer market while Liverpool had to suffice with only one yet solid signing of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig.
Despite the exit of the long-serving Gini Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain and many in the Liverpool fanbase urging Jurgen Klopp to bring in a replacement for the outgoing Dutchman, the Liverpool boss did not pursue any of the rumoured names on his shopping list.
In his column for the Sunday World, the former Liverpool star striker John Aldridge has commented on the business done this summer at Anfield with the Irishman claiming that the Merseysiders had focused on contract extensions rather than new arrivals.
Aldridge added that in spite of Jurgen Klopp dismissing the need for major activity in the transfer window, the Liverpool boss was sure to look at the spending done by rivals in an envious manner.
“A harsh reality crashed down on Liverpool amid this summer’s crazy transfer window – and I appreciate why the club’s fans felt as if they didn’t get an invite to the party.
“Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United was the final twist in a remarkable burst of spending that saw some of the biggest names in world football come to England’s Premier League – but none of them arrived at Anfield.
“The captures of Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane have certainly made United a better side.
“Then you look at Chelsea spending almost £100million to bring Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge, with Manchester City also flashing the cash to get Jack Grealish.
“City would have signed Harry Kane or Ronaldo if they had got their way as well, but their pulling power was exposed a little in the final week of the transfer window, despite all the money they have.
“Signings of this magnitude don’t just add quality to the teams. They are all proven performers, they excite the supporters, too, and give the impression a club is on the front foot.
“Liverpool, though, followed a very different path this summer, as they signed up their current squad to new contracts, rather than spend money on new arrivals.
“Jurgen Klopp is always very polite when he speaks to the media about Liverpool’s prudent transfer policy, but he must have looked in on the new arrivals in Manchester and Chelsea with a hint of envy.”
