Liverpool have been shrewd this summer

Brazilian international Roberto Firmino is just one of Liverpool’s new signings this summer

Whether it is the much-talked about transfer committee or Brendan Rodgers who has dealt with the transfers at Liverpool this summer the side the men from Merseyside have done some shrewd business.

Moaning

Reds fans may moan about not signing world-class talent, but most teams struggle to sign world-class talent without paying an extortionate fee.

Liverpool are not currently in the business of paying extortionate fees, as it would not suit their business model.

The men from Merseyside have not got an oil-rich owner, who is prepared to sink endless money into the club in an effort to buy success. The deals the Reds have, or are currently in the midst of make good financial sense.

Close

The latest signing the Reds are reportedly set to complete is the £12.5million capture of Southampton and England right-back Nathaniel Clyne.

Clyne has just one-year left on his current deal on the south coast, but he is also highly-rated and was believed to be a transfer target of the Reds North West rivals Manchester United.

At 24 years-old Clyne still has time to improve and become a truly top full-back. He has been highly impressive in the Saints backline in the last few seasons and is looking to become England’s regular right-back.

Short

Signing Clyne makes perfect sense for Liverpool, as they are currently short on right-backs. Former England international Glen Johnson has been released with his contract expiring this summer.

Youngster Jon Flanagan is currently sidelined through injury and on-loan Atletico Madrid star Javier Manquillo has yet to fully convince that he is the long-term solution to the Reds right-back conundrum.

Clyne also fits in perfectly with the type of signings that Liverpool are attempting to make, as he is in his mid-twenties and can be developed into a better player. He will also have a good sell-on value in years to come.

Shrewd

For me Liverpool have been very shrewd in the transfer this summer with their signings so far. The free transfers of James Milner from Manchester City and Danny Ings were self-explanatory really.

Milner at 29-years-old has a wealth of both club and international experience. The midfielder offers extraordinary work rate, versatility and an often underrated technical ability. Signing a player like that is a no-brainer really.

Milner was held in high esteem by everybody at City and it seems that most Citizens fans did not want the midfielder to leave, while some less knowledgeable Liverpool fans have criticised the signing.

The signing of Ings could be another bargain. The Reds will have to pay compensation to Burnley for the striker, but it is likely to be a very small fee.

Ings is just 22-years-old and scored 11 Premier League goals last season in a team devoid of creativity. The England under-21 international is an intelligent young player who will only get better with more top-flight experience, as last season was his first in the Premier League.

Liverpool paid a big fee for Brazilian attacking midfielder Roberto Firmino when he arrived from Hoffenheim earlier this month. However, he has the attributes to go on to become a very good player.

The 23-year-old is versatile, but is likely to play as a number ten for the Reds, the position he currently occupies in the Brazilian national side. Firmino can take on a man and works extremely hard for his team.

The signing of young defender Joe Gomez for around £3.5million from Charlton this summer could be another bargain. The 18-year-old centre-back is one of the most highly-rated young English defenders and was believed to have been tracked by a number clubs.

Despite his tender years Gomez has already made 24 appearances in the Championship and is no doubt a player with a bright future.

Priority

Next season’s priority for the Reds will be a top four finish and a Champions League place, after last season’s disappointing sixth-place finish in the Premier League. Brendan Rodgers side are currently odds of 11/4 to achieve that objective next season.

Liverpool fans should be happy with their clubs transfer business so far this summer. The Reds were never going to splash out massive fees on players this summer. The new arrivals should help the Merseysider’s to mount a realistic challenge for a top four spot next season.

Has Liverpool’s transfer business impressed you so far?