Arne Slot must make 2 major transfers to challenge for title, says Liverpool legend

Danny Murphy has voiced concerns over Liverpool's chances in the upcoming Premier League season, noting the lack of new signings under Arne Slot's fledgeling tenure.

In a discussion on talkSPORT , the former Reds midfielder was clear about the team's situation. He believes Liverpool needs to make two signings - a center-back and a holding midfielder. "Well the window's not closed," Murphy said. "And the reality is Liverpool's transfer business over the last five-six years has been excellent.

"I expect them to be top four, but I don't think they'll overcome (Manchester) City . They can't win it with this squad can they? I don't think so. They'll be better, of course they would. Significant new signings - yeah, I think a center-half and a holding midfielder.

READ MORE: Real Sociedad facing fresh Martin Zubimendi issue days after he rejected Liverpool transfer
READ MORE: Liverpool 'prepares to send' Martin Zubimendi final take-it-or-leave-it contract offer

"When you look at the two best teams in the country last year with Rodri and (Declan) Rice, Liverpool don't have that. And although (Wataru) Endo and (Alexis) Mac Allister did well in certain games and certain periods, that consistent person in the middle of the pitch who's physically dominant and able to control games like those two do, Liverpool don't really have."

The ex-Liverpool star also touched on a recent transfer disappointment: Liverpool's failed attempt to secure Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. "You can't judge a team's signings until the window's closed," Murphy added. "Big signings and real high quality players sometimes take a while to get over the line. You know what the domino effect does in the transfer market, we've seen it many, many times.

"One big one goes from somewhere that knocks on, they will be hugely disappointed that they didn't get Zubimendi because I think they thought that was over the line. They lost out to (Romeo) Lavia and (Moises) Caicedo last year and now they've lost out to Zubimendi as well.

"It's not great, especially when they need a player in that position. If they sign nobody, I still think they'll improve because of the fact so many of those young players are getting better. You'd expect Darwin Nunez to get better and convert more chances.

"You'd expect the young players like Harvey Elliott , Curtis Jones , (Conor( Bradley, (Jarell) Quansah to all have improved with the experience they had last season. All those little things. So hopefully, yes. And keeping players, I mean (Luis) Diaz missed half the season. Diaz is a super talent. Keeping him fit is going to be a big thing."