The original aim of the 2023/24 season was to return Liverpool to last year’s Champions League after being relegated for the first time following the 2015/16 season. This prompted a summer overhaul that saw veterans such as Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Fabinho depart and be replaced by relatively young players such as Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenbirch and Alexis McAllister. The rule of thumb is that major disruptions do not lead to short-term gains, but rather long-term prospects. This is why, out of 27 BBC pundits before the start of the season, only one (Shay Give) rated Liverpool as well as they currently do (second), and there are only 11 Liverpool players in the first three. A further 10 players had Jurgen Klopp’s men fourth, while six thought they would finish in the top four.
So Liverpool are ahead of schedule. They remain a flawed team but will be very much in the title circle until 2024. And that puts pressure on FSG. The club’s situation ahead of the January transfer market can be viewed from two aspects from the club owner’s perspective. The first is that Klopp should have the resources to compete as he already has the squad he wants. At the very least, it should get Liverpool back into the Champions League with relative comfort. Secondly, it is an unexpected opportunity to win the Premier League and he should make the most of it by making a big move, be it a number 6 player who can help Liverpool create controlled games. A centre-back (maybe both) who could fill Joel Matip’s position after injury this season. After Liverpool offered a record fee of $139m (£110m/€128m) for Moises Caicedo in the summer, we have to assume they have the money to pay a significant additional fee, even if they don’t I do it. Business. It is used voluntarily as a single budget for the season. In the last two seasons we had Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and one other player.
This could be the month Liverpool break new ground or squander their opportunities and allow their rivals to steal the march. In fact, Arsenal, Manchester City and even Aston Villa will make stronger moves next month. This regime has often been criticized for resting on its laurels and forcing Klopp to punch above his weight in what could prove to be a defining moment.
For Liverpool, this could be one of those moments where they need to step back and put things into perspective. Yes, the goalless draw with Manchester United was a blow to the title race, but nobody expected the Reds to be in this position at this stage of the season. If they beat Arsenal at Anfield next weekend, they will almost certainly be top of the Premier League by Christmas.
