Jamie Carragher has criticised Liverpool F.C.'s transfer strategy, labelling their failure to sign cover in the full-back areas a significant blunder. The former Reds defender made his comments in a report by the Daily Mirror Football this week, as the club handles a slow start to the Premier League season.
Liverpool currently sit 13th in the Premier League table with two points from their opening two games, a record of zero wins, two draws and zero losses. They have scored four goals and conceded four, leaving them with a zero goal difference and already four points behind early leaders Manchester City. Their next challenge is a tough away trip to face local rivals Everton, who are 7th, on November 28.
Carragher was direct in his assessment of Liverpool's squad planning. He believes the club made a big mistake by not bringing in additional players for the full-back positions during the recent transfer window. His critique comes after Liverpool completed the £40million signing of left-back Milos Kerkez. Carragher acknowledged it was the defender's first season at Anfield and that his performances were not amazing, but suggested the club should persist with him under manager Andoni Iraola, who worked with him at Bournemouth.
However, Carragher also drew a pointed comparison. "You're watching the game and thinking, 'Why has he done that?'" he said. "I described Kerkez last season - and it was his first season, maybe it was a bit harsh at the time - he's the Darwin Nunez of full-backs." This reference to the Uruguayan striker, known for his erratic finishing, highlights concerns over consistency.
Beyond the immediate squad, Liverpool have been linked with future moves. The club could make a move for Metz midfielder Lamine Camara when the transfer window reopens next summer. In other business, the Reds paid a substantial £120 million to secure the services of forward Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, a deal that shows their heavy investment in the attacking line.
Liverpool's decisions are set against a busy backdrop of Premier League transfer activity. Arsenal confirmed the £60 million permanent sale of Gabriel Martinelli to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, a deal that includes a sell-on clause and becomes the Gunners' record sale. Manchester United, under Sir Jim Ratcliffe's leadership, have established a plan to concentrate on strengthening their defence next summer as part of a wider strategy aiming for a Premier League title by 2028.
Elsewhere, Manchester City signed Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for £125 million, with the midfielder stating he had always dreamed of playing for a club of City's stature. Former Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, now a manager at the Arabian Falcons, is preparing a pitch to sign unattached winger Jadon Sancho. Liverpool's own Harvey Elliott has joined Valencia on a season-long loan after a difficult spell at Aston Villa last term.
The early league standings show Liverpool in an unfamiliar mid-table position, with work to do to close the gap to the top. Their form of two consecutive draws means they are still searching for a first win. The upcoming Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park will be a key test. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches, including that important fixture, on our standings and fixtures pages. The club's immediate focus will be on improving those defensive numbers, having conceded four goals in their first two outings.
