The word ‘disaster’ has been thrown around in the past couple of days regarding Liverpool’s recent transfer window.
Liverpool supporters have seen some dark days in recent years, so the anxiety around players coming in and out of the club does make some sense.
The supporters have had to see top players leave and then being replaced with average talent at best.
The club’s struggle to reel in key target Virgil van Dijk is one of the main reasons why the word ‘disaster’ has been thrown around, but there’s one thing the Anfield faithful should take heart from regarding the recent summer window.
It would have been great for the Reds to get some more deals done, but what has happened has happened, and everyone just needs to move on. There really isn’t any point moaning and carrying on.
I think if Jurgen Klopp is honest, he wouldn’t be entirely happy with how the window went, but there’s one thing that will please him.
See, in recent seasons perhaps Liverpool would have targeted some of the top players in world football, but it was almost like chasing a lost cause. None wanted to play for Liverpool, that’s the harsh reality.
This recent window gave an indication of what footballers from other clubs now think about Liverpool, and the indication was very promising. It wasn’t like previous years.
While not exactly acquiring van Dijk’s services, what was the most pleasing aspect of his potential move? The fact he turned down two rivals, Manchester City and Chelsea to join the Reds.
When was the last time that had happened in recent years? It’s difficult for one to remember. Not being able to get the deal done will hamper Liverpool this season, but there were positives to take from trying to acquire him.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is another prime example. He turned down Chelsea and a contract extension from Arsenal which would have seen him on more money than what he currently is on at Liverpool.
How goods that? Players turning down rivals to come and join a project that Klopp has implemented, it’s fantastic.
Dominic Solanke, who left Chelsea for the Reds, is another player that sees more of a future at Anfield. There’s probably less of a case made for Solanke as he left more for game time than anything else, but it’s still promising nonetheless.
Thomas Lemar is a player that apparently wasn’t all too interested in joining Arsenal seeing as Liverpool were linked to him. He didn’t move either way, but it’s what every fan wants to hear.
Supporters can’t really sit here and say that was the perfect transfer window because it was far from it, but there was a key learning to take.
Top footballers want to join Liverpool again and that should not be ignored. It’s been such a long time since Liverpool have been able to attract top end talent, they now are again.
Naby Keita, who won’t join until the end of this season, is arguably one of the most exciting talents in football.
The quality is starting to walk through the door again, and that’s what is most pleasing. In other words, the best years are still to come in the Klopp era.
One does feel that something big is around the corner regarding the club and perhaps winning some silverware.
With the exception of almost winning the league in the 2013-14 season, there hasn’t been this type of positivity around Liverpool Football Club for a long time, and it’s refreshing to see.
There’s still plenty of time obviously to go in the season, but the Kop have reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead in the coming months.
