Former Arsenal and England striker and current Sky Sports commentator Eric Smith spoke about Liverpool as the new season approaches.
Sky Sports commentator Eric Smith believes Liverpool will be "very busy" in the final stages of the transfer window. He points out that the Reds' lack of signings this summer has raised "concerns."
After sacking Arne Sloth and appointing Andoni Iraola to take over, the 20-time champions first signed winger Victor Muñoz from Osasuna for £34.5 million, and then completed a £60 million deal initially agreed in January to bring in centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes.
However, Liverpool subsequently missed out on their top target, Jan Diomad, who has since joined Real Madrid; their pursuit of another top winger, Barcola, was also thwarted by Paris Saint-Germain's asking price.
Liverpool also loaned Ronald Araujo from Barcelona for the season to alleviate the defensive personnel issues caused by Iraola. However, with the new Premier League season just over a week away, fans generally believe that the team needs to continue strengthening its squad before the transfer window closes on September 1st.
When asked by the Liverpool Echo about his thoughts on Liverpool's transfer activity so far and what positions he felt the team was lacking, Smith said: "I think there are a lot of concerns over there about the transfer activity, mainly about not bringing in enough players. But there's still time. I believe that since Iraola took over, he has already had his own ideas about what the squad needs. He's a very meticulous and detail-oriented coach. The only question is whether they can bring that quality in."
"There are rumors that McAllister might leave, so the midfield looks a bit thin right now, as does the attack. Konaté is also in doubt. Ultimately, there are questions in every position in Liverpool's squad."
"Therefore, I think we must get busy in the last few days of the transfer window."
Muñoz, a member of Spain's World Cup-winning squad who didn't get a chance to play, is expected to have an impact this season. Meanwhile, Liverpool are looking to further strengthen their attack after the departure of legendary striker Salah. Salah played nine seasons at Anfield, making 442 appearances and scoring 257 goals.
When asked how Liverpool would fill the void left by the Egyptian striker, Smith said it would require the whole team to share the burden.
The former Arsenal and England striker, who has won the English First Division Golden Boot twice, said: "I think it's a problem that everyone has to share. Isak can score a lot of goals. Wirtz was also talking about his second season this week, and how excited he is for the new season. He knows very well what he's facing."
“With Hugo Ekittik’s return, McAllister is also available. And these players… Gakopo. I think everyone has to step up to fill the void left by Salah’s departure.”
Liverpool won the Premier League title in the 2024-25 season, but less than a year later, the manager was sacked because the team finished only fifth last season.
With former Bournemouth manager Iraola now in charge, Smith has not ruled out the possibility of Liverpool launching a title challenge in the 2026-27 season.
In an interview with the Liverpool Echo via BestBettingSites.co.uk, Smith said: "You can never say it's impossible. If things start well and the players are willing to accept Iraola's ideas, the team can slowly build momentum. Who knows?"
“They still have some very good players in their squad. He is also obviously a very good coach. So it will be very interesting to see if they can replicate the Bournemouth style with these Liverpool players, and that is definitely something to watch.”
