Liverpool focus has now firmly turned to the transfer market. After a bright end to a disappointing season, the brief will be to build on the recent momentum in the new campaign. That will undoubtedly require some additions. Frustratingly, the recent upturn has arguably suggested that one real marquee move like might have been the way to go after all, but Liverpool is now set on a course of holistic improvement.
Regardless of the route Liverpool takes in the transfer market, it is not competing on an entirely level footing with Manchester City.
The sheer scale of the task facing Liverpool is exacerbated by the significant number of free transfer departures.
While neither Liverpool nor Manchester City seem likely to land Bellingham anymore, the nature of the saga says a lot.