Liverpool's Week in Review: Coutinho, Transfers and World Cup Qualifiers

Failed pursuits and important departures

Naby Keita was finally signed by Liverpool albeit for next season

Liverpool's final few days of the transfer window started with double joy as Naby Keita was finally signed from RB Leipzig and a mega-bid was launched for AS Monaco's Thomas Lemar.

The former was a top target for Klopp and Gareth Edwards, the man responsible for Liverpool's transfers, turned it around to at least secure the 22-year old for 2018. In an unusual turn of events, Keita completed his medical this summer while the Reds paid a premium over his release clause that gets activated next year.

Liverpool failed to complete a move for Lemar in time despite the player showing interest

Thomas Lemar's name came out of nowhere as Liverpool put in a series of bids in trying to prise the talented playmaker away from France. However, the delayed start of the pursuit weighed against the Merseyside club. Thus, the Reds could not agree a fee with Monaco despite Lemar apparently rejecting Arsenal in favour of a switch to Anfield.

Amidst all this, the club did manage to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for £35 million from Arsenal. The 24-year old can play in midfield as well as on the wings and has pace, power and work-rate, making him a perfect Klopp player.

Liverpool failed to land their top transfer target in Virgil van Dijk

The biggest disappointment in the transfer window is however reserved to the club's failure in signing the top priority target, Virgil van Dijk. After Liverpool prematurely celebrated a move even before a fee was agreed with Southampton, the club were forced to bite their tongue and apologise as the Saints lodged a "player-tapping" complaint against the Reds.

This scenario led to the club waiting until the last day, expecting Southampton to invite bids. The Saints, however, held firm and neglected the transfer request from their defender to keep the player in this window. With only four centre-backs in Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan and Joe Gomez, the Reds lack a leader and a top player in their backline.

Sakho finally ended his Liverpool career by joining Crystal Palace permanently

Mamadou Sakho would have definitely helped the situation. However, Klopp's reluctance to consider the Frenchman led to his sale finally to Crystal Palace for £26 million. Finally, Divock Origi joined Wolfsburg on loan with the German club paying £6 million to secure his services. The Belgian desperately needs playing time and should he shine at Wolfsburg, a recall in January is possible.

Thus, Liverpool's transfer window ended with an increase in attacking depth and resolution of the left-back problem but the club failed in landing a top centre-back. Now, our focus shifts to the international matches as the Reds hope their players return without picking up any injuries.