Manchester United have just embarrassed Liverpool in the market on deadline day as they close in on a deal to sign Marcel Sabitzer.
What’s the story?
Well, just hours after learning that Christian Eriksen would be out until April due to an ankle injury, the Red Devils have moved to sign Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich.
At the time of writing, The Athletic believe Bayern Munich’s No.18 is flying to England to undergo a medical with Manchester United, as Erik ten Hag finds an immediate solution to Eriksen’s absence.
That is where Manchester United have embarrassed Liverpool.
Jürgen Klopp has suffered with injuries in his midfield department throughout the entire season, leaving the German with no other option than to play the likes of Stefan Bajcetic and Curtis Jones along with the ageing Jordan Henderson and James Milner.
Despite that, Liverpool have twiddled their thumbs in the transfer market, when decent players such as Sabitzer have been sat there available and ready to provide some short-term relief.
Replacing Eriksen – who suffered ankle damage after a poor challenge from Andy Carroll during the FA Cup win over Reading – so quickly after learning the severity of his injury is how a big club should act when problems arise.
Having been described as the kings of the transfer market for years while Michael Edwards worked as Director of Football at Anfield, Liverpool really are starting to slip back into mediocrity when it comes to recruitment.
Liverpool should have rivalled Manchester United for Sabitzer
In our view, we cannot understand why Liverpool didn’t challenge Manchester United for Sabitzer’s signature.
The Austria international seems to be an ideal player for Klopp, having learned his trade at the top level in a high-pressing RB Leipzig side under Julian Nagelsmann.
Liverpool’s lack of midfield depth was exposed significantly in the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton, where Klopp’s introduction of Milner, Henderson and Jones killed his side’s stronghold on the game due to their lack of intensity.
If Manchester United go on to finish above Liverpool in the Premier League this season, nobody should be surprised given how complacent those at Anfield have been when it comes to recruitment.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
