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Throughout the Jürgen Klopp era, Liverpool’s signing has been exemplary.
Much of their transfer work is focused on signing high-performing players from lower teams in major European leagues and inserting them into a system that produces the best results. The three forwards were signed from Southampton, Hoffenheim and Rome. The central midfield trio are from Newcastle United, Sunderland and Monaco. Virgil van Dijk came from Southampton, while Andy Robertson was hired cheaply from Hull City.
The club’s transfer philosophy has focused on these cheaper hidden gems, rather than going after flashier, high-profile names. Of course, this has proven to be extremely profitable, with Liverpool crowned champions of England, Europe and the world in the last two seasons.
The team they assembled as a result of this transfer strategy also recorded the most club points. Klopp, Michael Edwards and the group of data analysts who drive the decision-making process behind the scenes have proven their success in the transfer market thanks to the team’s results on the field.
However, this summer, the club took a new approach. On Friday, Liverpool officially unveiled its second senior transfer window transfer. After months of speculation, Thiago Alcântara finally confirmed his move to Merseyside from Bayern Munich.
Thiago had been running out of his contract. He had one year left on his current contract, he refused to enter into discussions about an extension and told the German club that he wanted to leave. At 29, having won the treble and being widely celebrated for his role in the success of the Champions League, he is not Liverpool’s usual signing.
And yet, as reports claimed throughout the summer, Liverpool were interested in his esteemed services. They recognized his elite ability, understood that he would improve his current midfield options substantially, and pulled the trigger, even if he didn’t fit the normal profile.
Perhaps, then, this shows a shift in focus. Liverpool will not only focus on the mid-table stars who can improve their performance and production when inserted into the Klopp system. In turn, could this offer hope for future signings?
One possible marquee acquisition is Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman has been tentatively linked to a move to Anfield before. Also, last week, the Times reported that Mbappé has told Paris Saint-Germain that he would like to leave the club next summer, with a transfer to La Liga or the Premier League as his preferred destination.
Given the quality, price and potential of Mbappé, there are few teams that can attract and pay for it. Liverpool certainly falls into the first category, although their willingness to spend lavishly is less assured. The signing of Thiago, therefore, perhaps offers hope that if Mbappé is available, Liverpool can break the mold of the usual lesser known and cheaper transfer target and go after the big shot.
Mbappé has also expressed his respect for the Klopp project in Liverpool. “This season Liverpool have been a machine in the Premier League. They have made winning look easy, but the truth is that it is never easy. ” said in january . “To be as ruthless as they have been would come from having a very good manager and a lot of hard work in training. Performances like the ones they’ve had don’t happen by chance ”.
It may not be entirely unreasonable to think that Mbappé might be interested in a Liverpool move. And, while previously such a transfer could have been ruled out of hand as Mbappé does not fit the normal profile of Liverpool’s transfer target, Thiago’s play shows that Liverpool are willing to alter their approach if they find the right player.
Surely Mbappé is the right player.
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