Liverpool Close Out Strong Window With Quiet Deadline Day

It’s been another productive one for the Reds.

And so the 2018 summer transfer window ends — the first since its inception in 2003 to close before the start of the Premier League season — and deadline day is another quiet one for the Reds. Danny Ings joins Southampton in a year-long loan to be made permanent next summer, but otherwise, it’s been crickets on Merseyside tonight.

That’s not to say the transfer window as a whole has been a dull one, however. In fact, it could be argued Liverpool have done more impressive business this summer than any other season in recent memory. Finishing top of the Premier League net spend table for the first time ever — if only because they’ve accrued a transfer profit in the previous two seasons — the Reds have improved both quality and depth as they look to follow up on their impressive 2017/18 campaign.

Naby Keïta is a uniquely capable midfielder, a perfect fit for Jürgen Klopp’s high-pressing, transition-heavy style, and looks certain to become an Anfield favourite in short order. Fabinho — signed in a shockingly prompt manner only two days after the season ended — may appear less exciting than his Guinean counterpart, but the defensive stability the rangy Brazilian will bring may prove equally impactful, as will the reduced strain on captain Jordan Henderson.

In Alisson, Liverpool have splurged on an elite goalkeeper with a skill set perfectly suited for the team’s style of play, even if his world record transfer fee would only remain such for three weeks. And finally, Xherdan Shaqiri, brought in for a relegation release clause fee — yes Stoke are no longer in the Premier League, remember — of £13m, represents significant talent at a bargain price, adding depth to the squad while possessing considerable upside.

There is still potential for movement; with transfer windows across the continent remaining open until September 1st, outgoings remain a possibility, and Lazar Marković, Simon Mignolet and Divock Origi could all still leave before the month is up. Along with Ings’ move to the south coast, offloading fringe squad players will balance the Liverpool books, opening up the possibility of making significant additions to the squad in January, should the situation call for it.

Whatever ends up happening in 2018/19, the Reds have continued their trend of stellar transfer dealings, and fans will go into the season safe in their faith that the club’s player recruitment is in capable hands.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com