Liverpool need TWO more signings to complete Klopp's rebuild

Tom Weber

18 Nov 2023 06:34 CST
3 min read

Former Liverpool player Jermaine Pennant believes that the Reds require two more signings to complete Jurgen Klopp's rebuild.

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Klopp and new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke oversaw a massive summer overhaul during which several established faces departed Anfield. Captain Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, to name just a few, all headed elsewhere, which meant that the Reds' focus in the transfer window was firmly on rebuilding the midfield.

They did so successfully, signing Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch. Yet Fabrizio Romano also reported at the time that Klopp and company were also looking to add a young, left-footed centre-back who could potentially succeed Virgil van Dijk in the future, but no transfer materialised.

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Moreover, despite signing four midfielders, only Endo is a natural defensive midfielder and even he was used as more of a box-to-box allrounder at Stuttgart. The lack of a proper holding player has seen Liverpool heavily linked with Andre of Fluminense in previous months, but their interest has now dissipated according to more recent information.

Nevertheless, ex-Red Jermaine Pennant believes that Liverpool would do well to bring in Andre and Lloyd Kelly as a left-footed defensive option.

What did Pennant say?

Speaking to King Casino Bonus, Pennant was upbeat about Liverpool's season so far but demanded two January signings. "I said it was too early in early October, but we've seen how well the players have settled into the side since the season began."

"They've all taken to the Premier League like [fish to water]. Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch have all looked really impressive. They look comfortable, and that was the focus. The midfield has gelled, and we all know how good their front five can be!"

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"I think it's all looking well now. Liverpool might get a strong centre-back in January if there are any injuries, as I think that could be their Achilles heel. I'd say it's so far, so good in regards to Liverpool this season."

"I'd like to see Andre Trinidade come in as a number six in January, and I'd go with Lloyd Kelly [to] come in as a defender who can play both centre-back and left-back."