5 players Liverpool should have signed this summer

Liverpool have had an overall disappointing transfer window in the summer, despite earlier reports suggesting that they would be willing to spend huge amounts in order to boost the squad with world class signings. Dominic Solanke, Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were the arrivals, whereas Andre Wisdom, Kevin Stewart, Mamadou Sakho, Lucas Leiva and Ryan Fulton left the club.

While Salah is considered an improvement in the starting lineup, especially after managing to shield Coutinho away from Barcelona's grasp, Liverpool have failed to solve their biggest issue, which is the defence. Here are five players they should have signed.

#5 - Ederson

Ederson vs Everton - Premier League

Liverpool already have two goalkeepers who battle for the first spot, but neither of Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius has been able to convince in the past few months.

Benfica goalkeeper Ederson, who was voted the best in his position in the Portuguese league and had performed well in the Champions League, was available and could have improved the Reds.

But of course, Manchester City were the ones who snatched his services.

#4 - Faouzi Ghoulam

Faouzi Ghoulam v AC Milan - Serie A

Faouzi Ghoulam has been one of the most consistent left-backs in Italian football over the past two seasons. And the left-back position is definitely a weak spot for Liverpool. James Milner switched positions from midfield, in order to temporarily occupy that role, but he failed to deliver the offensive support that Klopp's men were hoping for.

Although they managed to sign Andy Robertson, Ghoulam is defensively solid and managed to provide 9 assists last season. He would have been a world-class player in the Premier League.

#3 - Andrea Conti

Andrea Conti in Italy training session

Next up, we have another fullback from Serie A on the list. This time, it's former Atalanta man Andrea Conti. The marauding right-back scored 8 goals and provided 5 assists in the Italian league last season, and quickly caught the eyes of AC Milan.

If Liverpool were faster, they could have secured the services of the 23-year old, who definitely offers more width on that right-hand flank, in order to support the attack and is also an accomplished defender.

#2 - Julian Weigl

Weigl celebrates Winning The DFB Cup 2017

While midfield was not a priority, the team could well do better with a central midfielder who possesses the technical qualities of Julian Weigl. The 21-year old offers more ability on the ball than Henderson. Also, Henderson has had injury issues and has missed games in the last few seasons, so the team could face a dearth of numbers when the games come thick and fast.

Weigl is capable of driving the ball forward, be it with his close control or his remarkable passing range. In many situations against deep-lying defensive blocks, Liverpool have lacked a midfield general who takes the initiative and dictates the rhythm of the game.

Patience and good build-up are both key factors in breaking down those organized defences, and Weigl has it in him to pick a pass and unlock a defence.

#1 - Virgil van Dijk

Van Dijk in action vs Southampton - Premier League

In fairness, Liverpool have tried their best to sign Virgil van Dijk during the summer transfer window, but all their attempts were strictly opposed by Southampton, who refused to let go of the Dutch international.

Agile, strong and dominant in aerial duels, van Dijk is truly a defensive beast. But not only that, the 26-year old is an excellent ball-playing centre-back, who would at the same time improve Liverpool's build-up from the back.

The Dutchman only scored 1 goal in the Premier League last season, but he remarkably averaged 2 successful tackles and 2.6 interceptions per game.

Liverpool let go of Mamadou Sakho, so it was a surprise they didn't add a good defender to their squad.