Liverpool are expected to use the summer transfer window to good effect following a disappointing campaign.
The Reds struggled badly last season with the squad being badly ravaged by injuries. In the end, they did manage to secure the third spot in the league, but it took them the final day to seal their fate.
While Jurgen Klopp reportedly happy with the players he has got at his disposal, he is likely to make necessary changes to the squad ahead of the next season.
In the previous few transfer windows, Liverpool hardly made enough signings, with Klopp relying mainly on his core group of players. It has been frustrating at times, with Klopp not being provided with a healthy transfer kitty to operate in the market. He had to resort to late signings in January when the damage was already done.
This summer, it seems they are more proactive. The Reds had earmarked Ibrahima konate, scouted him properly, and have secured his signature by paying £36m to RB Leipzig.
Michael Edwards, the Liverpool transfer guru, has made a reputation for himself in selling fringe players at a high price. Liverpool will look to offload as many as nine players this summer, and the money recouped will be recycled into the squad for new additions.
In comparison, Manchester United are yet to come up with a strong strategy to approach the summer transfer window.
Once again, the Red Devils are eyeing marquee signings, with the likes of Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Pau Torres, and Jules Kounde being heavily linked.
Last summer was an eye-opener. In an attempt to get a deal for Sancho, they wasted a chunk of time and ended up with Donny van de Beek who has only had four Premier League starts all season.
A top-two finish and a Europa League final can be seen as a mark of improvement. But, they cannot afford to waste another summer transfer window with a let’s-see-what-happens-after-Euro attitude.
Eric Bailly’s new contract means he should play regularly, and United cannot flirt with other potential defensive targets and waste time in the process. If indeed, they want Torres, Kounde or someone like Skriniar, they have to get the deal done at the earliest and sort out Bailly’s situation.
Likewise, if they are genuinely serious about landing Kane, they have to move quickly ahead of their rivals Man City, and plan a package accordingly to lure him to Old Trafford.
United may end up signing the likes of Grealish / Sancho, Kane or Torres but so far it seems Liverpool are operating with a clear and smart transfer strategy.
