Emile Heskey has warned Liverpool chief Michael Edwards to make a statement signing or risk falling behind the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea.
Liverpool addressed their defensive issue early on in the window with the signing of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig, and have gone quiet since. The Reds fell way short of defending their Premier League crown due to loss of form and mainly injuries to key personnel last term.
The Merseysiders are expected to mount a title challenge again this term, although the lack of signings might end up derailing their bid for the Premier League title again. Many believe that the side needs a top-rated signing to prolong their ambitions, although Jurgen Klopp recently admitted new faces might come in before the transfer deadline.
Who those players might be is another question, although, from the looks of it, Klopp might prioritise a midfielder over others. The club needs to fill the void left by Georginio Wijnaldum, while the future of Jordan Henderson is still under some scrutiny owing to his contractual situation.
There are further indications that it could be a midfielder, as the injury prone Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been linked with a move away. However, in order to become top-level contenders again, Liverpool will need a statement signing, according to former striker Emile Heskey.
The former England international believes Liverpool could fall behind the likes of their rivals if they do not make a marquee signing of their own. City have already landed £100 million Jack Grealish and are on the trails of Tottenham star man Harry Kane, who could move to the Etihad if the circumstances permit.
Chelsea, who admittedly have been quieter than usual, came out with a bang by agreeing to a massive deal with Inter Milan for striker Romelu Lukaku. The Blues were earlier in pursuit of Erling Haaland, but have now settled on the Belgian to improve their attack.
Heskey believes a similar signing is needed at Anfield to be considered challengers again. Speaking to ITV, Heskey warned Liverpool chief Michael Edwards to make a statement signing or risk opening up a gap with rivals this season. The Express published some of the important quotes from the interview, where the former striker expressed his concerns regarding Liverpool’s transfer activity or rather lack of it.
Heskey said, “They’ll be wanting to push back up to who wins the league. With what Man City have done they’re kind of out there on their own and Chelsea have done with signing Lukaku that’s a statement. I think Liverpool could do with getting one.”
While Liverpool’s squad looks strong so far, a top-class midfielder would surely do wonders. But as Heskey suggests, a star signing or statement transfer would elevate them into the next level and make them sure-shot title challengers. However, the next few weeks will show us who the Reds try to bring in the transfer window.
