Liverpool transfer roundup: Thiago Alcantara update as Klopp opens up on squad depth

Liverpool closed out their triumphant Premier League season on Sunday with a 3-1 victory over Newcastle United.

They finished the season with 99 points, 18 clear of Manchester City, and lifted the Premier League trophy for the first time ever - winning the league for the first time in 30 years.

However, their relatively thin squad dealt with injuries well throughout the year, meaning the Reds may need to add some depth this summer. This need is compounded by losing Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana, and potentially other squad players this summer.

Meanwhile, the Reds will be looking to defend their title, with Jurgen Klopp set to do battle with an invigorated Pep Guardiola and City once again.

With that in mind, and with a strange summer transfer window looming, here is the latest round-up of Liverpool transfer rumours.

Lallana excited by Brighton challenge

Adam Lallana made his move to Brighton official on Monday. The midfielder, who had slipped out of Klopp’s plans at Anfield, revealed that he is excited for the challenge ahead under Graham Potter.

“I can't wait to get started,” he told the official club website. “It’s a breath of fresh air coming here – having my medical, everything is new. It’s a challenge I am looking forward to.

“The whole infrastructure and ambition around the club excites me. There is so much young talent and so much ability.

“The manager is highly regarded and it was a pretty easy choice for me in the end, especially knowing how much Brighton have reached out. It’s nice to know that you’re wanted – I think it’s a perfect match.”

Lallana played only 373 Premier League minutes this season, but Liverpool may look to replace his versatility and depth across the midfield should other departures take place.

Klopp unconcerned by squad size

While Liverpool’s starting XI is formidable, there are concerns regarding the depth of the squad, especially at specific positions like left-back and across the front three.

Jurgen Klopp, though, is not concerned about the size of the squad and says that quality, not quantity, is more important.

“The solution cannot be to have a much bigger squad for the specific moment and then realise you cannot use all the players,” he said. “These players can only play the football they play because they know they are needed.

“They are all human beings and nobody can be held back for a year and then on the last day of the year be told, ‘Now we need you.’ In between now and then there must be a lot of training and support and challenges stuff like this.

“We cannot keep someone in the backyard and bring them up in the decisive moment. That will not help. We will have solutions for that, we have young players. The size of the squad is not that important to me, the quality of the squad is very much so.”

Latest on Thiago Alcantara

Despite wide-ranging rumours suggesting that Liverpool would make a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara, ESPN reports that there is no interest from the Reds in the 29-year-old.

Per the report, which quotes ESPN sources, Liverpool have never had any interest in Thiago, citing wages, age, injury record, and the fact that he does not fit Klopp’s style, which is famously high intensity and athletically demanding, as problems for any potential deal.

Thiago is a technically gifted central midfielder who plays with artistry and creativity. He is not built in the Klopp mould of central midfielder, ESPN claims.

The report also states that no major signings will be made this summer without a high-profile player leaving the club. With no big exit expected, that leaves Liverpool looking at a quiet transfer window.