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!
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