penny for Jurgen Klopp’s thoughts. Or should that be £165million.
Liverpool and Chelsea might have shared parity on the pitch in their Premier League opener on Sunday but the Blues have certainly won the recruitment war.
Having topped the Merseysiders’ offer for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo last week, with the Seagulls midfielder moving to Stamford Bridge for a British record £115million transfer fee, Chelsea have also gazumped the Reds for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia.
Klopp has been a long term admirer of the former Man City youngster and having missed out on Caicedo, Liverpool turned their attentions to the 19-year-old. They agreed a deal with the Saints but the player is now closing in on a switch to Chelsea for a reported £60m fee.
It’s a double transfer blow for the Anfield outfit who are in need of defensive midfield reinforcements having seen Jordan Henderson and Fabinho depart. While Liverpool have added Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to their ranks, they are crying out for some central protection, a mission that is proving far from straightforward. And their very public transfer problems only serve to underline how impressive Erik ten Hag and Manchester United’s transfer business has
Before a ball was kicked, the Reds had secured arrivals in their three priority positions with Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund joining. All three have the potential to make a real mark at Old Trafford and while the best part of £175m has been spent, United have concluded their key business and done so to the delight of their manager.
He was in a position to hit the ground running, with any future arrivals set to be more squad depth than first choice. It’s a testament to Ten Hag and the recruitment team at the club that the business this summer has been so smooth.
The Dutchman has the authority and aura at Old Trafford which has helped focus the transfer business from what too often in the past has been chaotic and muddled at best, and shambolic at worst. It’s still not perfect but even a year ago United were able to attract Casemiro – a player so talented he is only just able to count his Champions League victories on one hand – despite not having the carrot of elite European competition.
The Brazil midfielder transformed the Reds last term, helping them back to the continent’s top table. This year it’s Liverpool who are Europa League-bound and seeking their own Casemiro and their key additions.
United made it look easy this summer, things are going far from swimmingly on the banks of the Mersey.
