Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has outlined what the club's transfer strategy will look like this summer.
The Reds were criticised last summer for a lack of investment in key areas, having only signed one midfielder on a permanent basis since 2018.
They also failed to improve in defensive areas, although did bring in Darwin Nunez from Benfica for an initial fee of over £64 million.
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In January, Cody Gakpo arrived from PSV, and both players have provided the Reds with pivotal moments in big games this season.
But the lack of a midfield arrival on a permanent deal has hindered Liverpool, with injury problems - including to loan signing Arthur Melo - affecting them throughout the season.
In fact, Liverpool have struggled to live up to the form of previous years both defensively and in midfield, whilst Tuesday's 0-0 draw against Chelsea was evidence that they are not currently firing on all cylinders going forward either.
However, the 7-0 defeat of Manchester United last month shows that the quality in attacking positions is still very much present, with an emphasis on other areas likely to be the case in the summer.
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And Klopp has outlined how Liverpool will approach the transfer market this time around.
Klopp on Liverpool transfer strategy
Speaking in his pre-match press conference prior to the visit of Arsenal on Sunday, Klopp explained to reporters that the Reds will be 'smart' in the transfer window - although did state that the squad would still improve.
He said (quotes via Fabrizio Romano): "Whatever we do in the summer won't be enough for some people. But with smart recruitment, we will improve, definitely.
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"I am not a worse manager, the players are not worse. We just have to make smart changes next year."
Liverpool have been heavily linked with a number of players ahead of the window, with a number of Reds seemingly likely to depart the club as well.
The midfield trio of Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are all out of contract this summer, although Football Insider claim that Klopp is hopeful the latter of those names will stay.
If all three players do leave, however, Liverpool could need a significant revamp in midfield, with Football Insider also reporting that they are 'working on' a deal for Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes.
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They have also been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham and Celta Vigo's Gabri Veiga, with the latter of those certainly a more cost-effective option. He has a release clause of €40 million.
A move for Veiga could fall within a 'smart' strategy for the Reds, who seemingly will look to be careful when it comes to bringing in new players this summer.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Liverpool, Premier League, Transfers, Jurgen Klopp