Sky Sports pundit praises Liverpool's transfer business

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Bengaluru, February 2: Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has made a shocking claim that Liverpool have had a brilliant January transfer window.

Liverpool acted swiftly in the winter market to bring in their long-term defensive target Virgil van Dijk from Southampton for £75million.

Jurgen Klopp wanted to bring in the Holland international during the summer but the south coast club refused to let the defender leave.

Van Dijk’s eventual arrival at Anfield was widely praised by pundits and former players with Liverpool in need of defensive reinforcements.

However, just a week later the club sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for a British transfer record worth over £140m making the joy of van Dijk's arrival shortlived.

While the whole fanbase of the Reds are frustrated about not signing a proper replacement of their best player, Merson believes that the Reds did an excellent job.

The Brazilian had established himself as Liverpool’s biggest star in recent seasons and was seen as a crucial player to Klopp’s plans for the future.

But Coutinho made it clear he wanted to move to the Nou Camp last summer and Liverpool finally yielded to his wishes this month.

“It's been a brilliant window [for Liverpool],” Merson told Sky Sports.

“They needed a centre-half and they paid good money and got him.

“They also got £146m for Coutinho and got a big earner in Daniel Sturridge off the wage bill.

“It's been good business in my opinion. Top marks.”

The Reds have been knocked out of the FA Cup already but are in the race for a top-four finish and are in Champions League as well.

Probably, Klopp is planning other things for the summer but not replacing the creativity Coutinho brings could turn out to be costly for him.