Former Anfield star claims Liverpool have made major error of judgement

Liverpool will regret not making a marquee signing this summer, according to former Reds winger Joe Cole.

The Reds have only brought in youngsters Sepp van den Berg and Harvey Elliott so far this summer, which is in stark contrast from their dealings last summer when they spent nearly £200million to improve Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

Those moves were certainly vindicated as Klopp’s men claimed Champions League glory and finished just a point behind Man City in the Premier League title race.

However, Cole is concerned about Klopp’s comments that Liverpool cannot keep spending big during the summer in particular.

He told the Daily Mirror: “Jurgen Klopp has done a great job. For him to take the team and take it to the next level – he’s done an excellent job. He’s great for the club and great for the league – everyone loves him.

“But I think he will be disappointed not to have brought in any major, marquee signings to add to his squad.

“If they’re going to compete with Man City they need to kick on and go again. They were so close last year and Man City have strengthened.

“He’s obviously happy with his players and he’s going to have Lallana and Oxlade-Chamberlain back this year.

“But I think they need to go again if they’re going to keep up with Man City because they seem relentless at the moment.”

In contrast, reigning champions City have added another significant player to their squad in £62.8m midfielder Rodri, who is being viewed as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho.

Cole added that he believes depth of squad is almost more important than strength for the Reds, adding: “They open the season on the Friday night and they need to keep that momentum going. If I’m manager of Liverpool I’m thinking we have just won the Champions League, what can we do now?

“I feel like they needed something else to keep that momentum going. Bringing in a big name through the door.

“Signing the goalkeeper [Alisson] and Van Dijk last summer was logical. If you look at the team now, it’s not so black and white what is needed.

Read more: Timo Werner has been warned that a move to Liverpool this summer could potentially undermine his development.

“They’re an excellent side, they’re champions of Europe. There are players in every position that do what Klopp wants them to do.

“The midfield is very physical, they can play the Klopp way. I don’t think there is anyone position, it just needed a little bit of stardust sprinkling on it. A player that can come in and play a few positions.

“They are equipped and they will be up there, no doubt. They’re a fantastic side and a credit to the manager.

“But to compete with Man City they’ve got to keep spending. I’d be disappointed if they didn’t add anyone.”

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