TRANSFER ANALYSIS: LIVERPOOL

Anfield last season was quite a frustrating place to be last season according to most Reds. Hovering around the top half and mid table area. Failing to close out games and at times psychological frailties from players were a constant feature. The arrival of Jürgen Klopp improved The Reds as seen in their run to the League Cup and Europa League finals though they lost both games. Klopp's colourful press conferences have also helped alleviate the apparent doom that that was characteristic of the Rodgers era (barring their near miss in 2013/2014). Liverpool started the summer on a good note by extending the contract of The Normal One by another six seasons and without the distraction of European competition, Klopp has the chance to take Liverpool back up. Only if the right moves are made this summer.


ARRIVALS


JOEL MATIP

The Cameroonian defender finally joined the Reds on a free after agreeing to terms with The Reds and may have made a seamless transition into the side and English football in general with some assured performances in pre-season. As impressive as he has been, judging a player based on pre-season is a dicey affair as most sides may not be at full strength or in Liverpool's case, of a lower standard (no disrespect to Tranmere Rovers, Fleetwood Town and Wigan Athletic). His arrival will bring some youthfulness to an ageing and depleted Reds' backline. He also poses a threat in the air and helps add another dimension to Liverpool's style of play. He has age on his side and has the abilities to succeed in a potentially new-look Liverpool side. A very good signing for the Reds on the surface but it's only pre-season.

SADIO MANE

Liverpool was at the beginning of the summer, at their poaching best as they raided their favourite hunting grounds in recent times and came out with Sadio Mane. The Senegal wide man arrived at Anfield with an essive record forged across two seasons at St. Mary's. After getting his man, Klopp revealed he had had his eye on Mane since 2012 and nearly signed him for Dortmund. Mane with his speed and directness as well as versatility will fit into Klopp's high pressing style of play. Also, his willingness to drop deep will make him a fan favourite with most Kopites. Mane in spite of all his talent and abilities has shown to inconsistent at most times as seen in his four-month scoreless run last season although he is known to score in bursts. This may be worrying for Klopp but he is known to get the best out of players. With hefty transfer fee, pressure will be on him to perform but based on pre-season performances he looks to have dispelled such fears. Fans and rivals alike will be on hand to assess him as the season progresses. Over to you, Man-e.

LORIS KARIUS

The 23 year was signed to provide some competition for Simon Mignolet and provide adequate backup. His confidence belies his age may look to replace the seemingly inconsistent Belgian if he puts in assured performances like he did for Mainz last season. He still has a lot to learn as his handling is at times suspect but he has age on his side so expect him to improve with time.

RAGNAR KLAVAN

The 30-year old Estonian is Liverpool's fifth signing in the offseason from Augsburg. He has cultivated a reputation as a hardman across his career with his tough tackling and aerial ability. He has a decent pass on him. His versatility although limited to one position is seen in his ability to play at left back. His arrival will be music to Klopp's ears as he has seen his defensive options diminish in recent weeks with departures and long term injuries. For a player with his experience and ability, his fee can be considered somewhat of a coup. The next Agger or Skrtel?

MARKO GRUJIC

A world champion at the U20 level, Grujic was a wanted man but Jurgen Klopp beat a number of sides to sign the highly rated youngster from Red Star Belgrade. Grujic has a bright future as he is able to play across the midfield. This versatility is one of the reasons Klopp made his move quickly before most clubs could get to him. He has shown glimpses of his ability in pre-season. He is a developing youngster and with Emre Can as a double pivot, the quality of the Liverpool midfield looks bright and in good hands. First team opportunities may be at a premium but the League Cup and FA Cup will give him a chance to prove his worth in Reds colours.



DEPARTURES


JORDAN IBE

After the acrimonious exit of Raheem Sterling, Jordan Ibe was touted as the man to replace Sterling. With impressive cameos in his early Liverpool days under Brendan Rogers, Klopp's arrival was supposed to speed up his development but he stagnated. The move to Bournemouth gives him a chance to improve his fortunes in a low pressure environment. The ball is in your court Jordan.

MARTIN SKRTEL

The Slovenian hardman completed his move to Turkey to end his eight and a half year association with the Reds after he was deemed surplus to requirements for next season. At just 31, the defender still has a few good years in him. A good move for all parties.


KOLO TOURE

The former Arsenal and Manchester City defender left the Kop upon the expiry of his contract and is an experienced head for teams looking for defenders on the cheap. His pace may have deserted him but his experience in the Premier League is unrivalled. A few good years left in him. Expect a short-term deal.

Fringe players like Joao Texeira and Samed Yesil have left the club in order to revive their careers after successive loans too. A significant reduction in squad size and wage bill as well.


POTENTIAL ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

With about 82 million Euros spent so far on the market, Jürgen Klopp has indicated, he is not done with a few signings yet to come. The Red's interest in Georginio Wijnaldum is a poorly hidden secret and they look like the only suitors for the midfielder but the Reds are baulking at the asking price of 30 million Euros though rumours indicate they are negotiating a player plus cash deal.

Goalkeepers Bogdan and Ward have left the club on loan to get first-team opportunities. Rumours from England indicate Lucas Leiva and cash will tempt Newcastle to part ways with Wijnaldum.

Joe Allen is also a target for Swansea and a number of Premier League side but based on his performances in France, Liverpool will be looking to keep him.

Reports emanating from Spain indicate Atletico Madrid will turn their efforts to Divock Origi if they fail in their pursuit of Diego Costa but Klopp has made it clear the 21-year-old is not available.

The return of Danny Ings from injury is like a new signing for Klopp. The young Englishman showed glimpses his talent before injury struck and his return is vital to the Red's chances this season.

Luis Alberto, Lazar Markovic and Mario Balotelli have returned but the latter two have been told by Klopp to find new clubs as they are not part of his plans.

VERDICT

Liverpool has been quite active this summer with Klopp's signings indicating the club are looking to build for now and the future as he fuses youth with experience While addressing problem areas in the team. Also, he seems to be signing players who fit into his system rather than alter his system to suit them. The versatility and flexibility of this new look Liverpool will not make them title favorites but a return to Europe is not far from them. A few more signings needed to complete the Anfield puzzle.

Maybe This year will be their year after all! 

TRANSFER ANALYSIS: CHELSEA

The shrill blast of the final whistle at Stamford Bridge could not have come at a better time for Chelsea players and fans alike. An end to what has been a nightmare of a season with conflicts from various sectors of the club. The transfer season will allow Roman Abramovich to restore his beloved Chelsea back among the top dogs in the league and so has already started his business early.

ARRIVALS

ANTONIO CONTE

Stamford Bridge has been a busy place this summer with Antonio Conte being their major signing. A man tasked to lead the Chelsea troops to battle and restore them to their former greatness. He was instrumental in leading a relatively weak Italy side to the quarter-finals of the last European Championships beating highly-fancied Belgium, knocking out holders and favourites Spain as well as pushing World Champions Germany to the limit before losing on penalties. He is also a three-time Serie A winner so his pedigree is unquestionable. He brings a hardworking ethic and some fire to the Chelsea side (spark to inferno?!). He is known for his 3-5-2 setup but is known switch to a 4-4-2, 5-3-2, 4-5-1 and 4-3-3 setups to suit the opponents and the conditions in an ongoing game. Such tactical flexibility is what Chelsea will need to break down opponents and hit opponents on the break. His passion will also come to the fore in the heated clashes and get the Stamford Bridge fans behind the team during tough times.

MICHY BATSHUAYI

Nicknamed the next Drogba, Batshuayi has really big shoes to fill. His 22-goal haul for Marseille in all competitions last season was a shining light in the darkness and uncertainty that surrounded the Stade Velodrome. His willingness to move around for the ball will be a good foil for Diego Costa if he stays at the Bridge for the coming season. He also has the ability to be a good target man and hold the ball up for his teammates. His success or failure in London will depend on how well he fits into Conte's tactical setup. His price tag will put a bit of pressure on him but all in all a decent signing for the Blues.

N'GOLO KANTE

"70% of the Earth is covered by water. The other 30% is covered by Kante". Undoubtedly the best player in the Premier League last season, Chelsea seems to have finally found an heir to Claude Makelele. A tireless runner and great reader of the game not forgetting is decent tackling ability, Kante will prove to be a good foil for Fabregas . Also, his ability to intercept and break down opponents' attacks will help Chelsea when they are on the backfoot. The 25-year-old Frenchman is the personification of hard work and he teaming up with Conte is a match made in heaven.

The return of several loanees will bloat the squad but also allow Conte assess players like Cuadrado, Marin, and Chalobah among many others.

DEPARTURES

MOHAMMED SALAH

After his transfer, Momo Salah has failed to impress in London which led to successive loans at Fiorentina and Roma with the capital side taking up the option to permanently sign him. Very few will miss him as Chelsea have more than enough options for the right wing position in the form of Willian, Pedro and the returning Victor Moses. Juan Cuadrado with his versatility can seamlessly fit into that position leaving the Egyptian with no option than to leave the Bridge for 15 million Euros.

After failing to impress the coaching staff at Stamford Bridge Croatian under 19 forward Stipe Perica has joined Serie A side Udinese for 4 million Euros a move that suits both parties and reduces the names on the payroll.

The departures of flops Alexandre Pato and Falcao will reduce a seemingly bloated squad and wage bill. Nathan Aké, Tomás Kalas, and Jeremie Boga have so far left the club on loan to Bournemouth, Fulham, and Granada to get some game time and aid their development. Marco Amelia is out of contract and out of the Bridge but has expressed interest in working with Conte so we may still see him but as things stand he's a free agent.

VERDICT

 The Blues have been cautious on the market this time round as they seek to make the necessary signings to correct the problematic areas in the squad. Using one preseason game to judge the squad will be unwise as most first team players are still on a holiday. A good center back is needed to solve their defensive woes to complete a good transfer period. With the right signings, Conte with time will make Chelsea champions again.

Up to You Roman.