Jurgen Klopp says he doesn’t need any new defenders to arrive at Liverpool between now and the transfer deadline on August 9.
The Reds continue to enjoy an impressive pre-season, with Saturday night’s comprehensive 4-1 win over Man United the highlight.
Xherdan Shaqiri scored a stunning overhead kick on his unofficial debut and the all-round performance was one that suggested Klopp’s men will continue their upward trajectory in 2018/19.
While the manager has strengthened the spine of his side by bringing in Alisson, Fabinho and Shaqiri – plus Naby Keita – some have voiced their concerns over a lack of options in defence.
That’s due mainly to Joel Matip‘s persistent injury problems, Dejan Lovren‘s inconsistency and Ragnar Klavan‘s age.
Klopp believes he is healthy enough in that department, singling out Joe Gomez for special praise.
“This summer? No, I am happy with our players, to be honest, so I don’t see the need,” said Klopp, in his post-United press conference.
“When you see Joe Gomez playing in that role tonight as a central defender, he combines a lot of things you don’t find in the transfer market, to be honest.
“I can’t see in the moment the need.”
However, the boss didn’t completely rule out a new face arriving, adding: “But there are 12 days to go and a lot of things can happen.
“You ask me now and I say no, but maybe if you ask me tomorrow I will say something different.”
On the face of it, Liverpool do look well-stocked in that department, but a sudden injury to Virgil van Dijk would change the situation significantly.
Gomez remains hugely inexperienced as a centre-back and while his future lies there, it is no given that he will thrive there from the off this season.
One more central defender wouldn’t go amiss – Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles is an example of a potentially astute acquisition – but it appears unlikely.
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