I’m Tired Of Us Being Two Signings Short

There’s something really exciting happening at Liverpool right now, and I don’t want anybody to mistake my caution for a lack of optimism.

We’ve won five consecutive matches. Andoni Iraola is getting his ideas across, the players are responding, and suddenly we’re looking forward to facing Arsenal at Anfield with genuine confidence.

But here’s my frustration.

Why do Liverpool always seem to be two signings away from having the squad we actually need?

Every season we identify the weaknesses. Every summer we’re told about the plans. And somehow, when the next campaign arrives, we’re having the same conversations.

We’ve got an opportunity to achieve something this season.

I just don’t want us wasting it by refusing to address problems everybody can see.

Arsenal Victory Would Put Liverpool Back In The Conversation

I asked supporters during my latest Late Night Agenda whether beating Arsenal would convince them Liverpool were genuine title contenders.

More than 1,000 people voted, and 73% said yes.

I absolutely love that optimism.

But I’m not quite there yet.

A victory on Sunday would put us within three points of Arsenal, and considering the difficult fixtures we’ve faced, that would be a tremendous position.

However, I want to see consistency over a longer period before putting title-winning expectations on this team.

Arsenal have continuity under Mikel Arteta. They know their system, understand their responsibilities and possess tremendous squad depth.

Liverpool are still developing under Iraola.

I’ve been genuinely impressed with the manager. His press conferences feel sincere, and when he talks about trusting young players, he actually demonstrates that trust.

We’re seeing improvements in our performances, particularly in the understanding between players.

And Alexander Isak’s numbers are encouraging.

His goals per 90 minutes have increased from 0.38 last season to 0.95 this season, while his expected goals per 90 have risen from 0.33 to 0.67.

That’s significant progress.

I’d also start Rio Ngumoha against Arsenal because his directness creates problems for defenders.

But one victory, however impressive, wouldn’t convince me we’ve suddenly solved everything.

Liverpool Need Another Midfielder Without Selling Gravenberch

I keep hearing people suggesting we should sell Ryan Gravenberch to bring in another midfielder.

Why?

I’ve criticised Ryan’s performances, particularly against Chelsea, and I still believe Trey Nyoni deserves to start ahead of him on current form.

But I’ve never said I want Gravenberch sold.

He’s a good footballer and a valuable squad option.

My concern is whether he’ll ever establish himself as an automatic selection in Iraola’s strongest midfield.

He’s somewhere between a six and an eight, and I’m not convinced he’s mastered either role.

That doesn’t mean we should get rid of him.

We’ve already sold Curtis Jones. Wataru Endo’s future looks uncertain, and Alexis Mac Allister’s contract situation needs addressing.

Why would we deliberately weaken our options further?

I’d love Liverpool to sign Lamine Camara. I also like Alex Scott.

Ultimately, I want whoever Iraola believes is the best fit.

But I want that midfielder brought in during January.

Nyoni’s emergence is wonderful, and I have enormous confidence in his development. Still, young players need experienced competition around them.

If we’re serious about competing across multiple competitions, we need quality depth.

We cannot keep promoting youngsters to replace departing players and pretend every problem has disappeared.

Inter Milan Interest Makes Federico Chiesa’s Exit Sensible

One January departure I would support, however, is Federico Chiesa.

According to Football News, Inter Milan have opened informal discussions with Liverpool about signing the Italian winger.

AC Milan, Roma, Atalanta and Lazio have also reportedly shown interest, with Liverpool potentially willing to accept around €15 million.

And I think that makes complete sense.

Look, I’ve got nothing against Federico. He’s a talented footballer, and I’ve always wanted things to work out for him at Anfield.

But he’s 29, and it’s becoming increasingly obvious that he isn’t central to Iraola’s plans.

Bradley Barcola’s arrival has reduced his opportunities further.

We’ve got Isak, Barcola, Ngumoha, Cody Gakpo and Victor Muñoz, with Hugo Ekitike eventually returning from injury.

Youngsters are coming through as well.

Where are Chiesa’s minutes supposed to come from?

I hate seeing a footballer’s career stall because he’s sitting on the bench every week.

He deserves to play regularly, and Liverpool shouldn’t keep somebody around simply for the sake of having another name in the squad.

If Inter want him and a sensible offer arrives, I’d let him go.

But here’s the important distinction.

Chiesa is surplus to requirements in an area where we’ve got considerable options.

Gravenberch plays in a midfield where we’re already short.

Those are completely different situations.

Selling Chiesa could be sensible squad management. Selling another midfielder before strengthening that department would leave me scratching my head.

Ronald Araújo Deal Could Be Liverpool’s January Bargain

There’s another January development I’m particularly excited about.

Reports suggest Barcelona have approached Liverpool about completing Ronald Araújo’s permanent transfer early.

We’ve apparently got a €55 million purchase option, but Barcelona’s desire to secure the money sooner could give us an opportunity to negotiate.

And I’m all for it.

If Barcelona need cash and Liverpool can save several million euros, absolutely take advantage.

That’s good business.

But don’t get so obsessed with negotiating that we jeopardise the deal.

Araújo has been outstanding.

I wasn’t entirely convinced he’d be this effective at right-back when he arrived, but he’s given us balance, aggression and another excellent centre-back option.

He’s earned a permanent move in my eyes.

And I’d take him over bringing Trent Alexander-Arnold back every day of the week.

Trent made his decision. Araújo is making the most of his opportunity.

Now Liverpool need to make some decisions of their own.

We’ve got Arsenal on Sunday, Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and a genuine opportunity to build momentum.

My ambition remains Champions League qualification and a proper attempt to win a trophy.

If we find ourselves challenging for the league in February or March, fantastic.

But give Iraola the tools he needs in January.

Get Araújo signed, strengthen midfield and make sensible decisions about players like Chiesa.

Because I’m tired of Liverpool looking back at another season wondering what might have happened if we’d acted sooner.

Much Love.