Steve Nicol has questioned Liverpool’s approach to the transfer market this summer, claiming he is surprised by the lack of new arrivals despite pre-season already being well underway.

The Reds have made additions during the window and continue to be linked with several more players, but the former Liverpool defender believes the squad still falls well short of where it needs to be ahead of the new campaign.

With Andoni Iraola preparing for his first full season in charge, expectations remain high after another summer of significant change at Anfield.

However, Nicol is unconvinced Liverpool have done enough to give their new head coach the tools required to compete across every competition.

Speaking on ESPN FC, Nicol did not hold back when assessing Liverpool’s business.

The former Reds defender admitted he expected Liverpool to have addressed far more areas of the squad by this point in the summer.

It was a surprisingly critical assessment from someone who has often defended the club’s long-term planning.

Perhaps Nicol’s biggest claim came when he suggested Liverpool’s work is nowhere near complete.

Whether supporters agree with that number is another matter entirely.

Liverpool have already invested significantly in recent transfer windows and continue to be strongly linked with further additions, particularly in attacking areas.

READ MORE: Liverpool Monitor Benfica Star Andreas Schjelderup This Summer Transfer Window

The Reds also remain well-stocked in several positions, with Iraola inheriting a squad containing established internationals alongside a number of highly-rated young players pushing for opportunities.

While few would argue against strengthening in certain areas, the suggestion that Liverpool require half a dozen more arrivals feels ambitious.

It would represent one of the biggest transfer windows in the club’s history.

Interestingly, Iraola himself has acknowledged that Liverpool will require strength in depth to cope with the demands of a season featuring domestic and European football.

READ MORE: Dominik Szoboszlai Reaches Agreement In Principle Over New Liverpool Contract

During his first press conference, the Spaniard spoke openly about the challenges posed by fixture congestion.

He stressed the importance of having enough players available during difficult periods such as December and January, admitting injuries are inevitable and that success depends on using the entire squad rather than relying on a settled starting XI.

That does lend some weight to Nicol’s broader point, Liverpool may not need six new signings, but they almost certainly cannot afford to stand still.

The biggest factor working in Liverpool’s favour is that there remains plenty of time before the transfer window closes.

History has shown the Reds are often prepared to wait for the right player rather than rushing into deals simply to satisfy outside expectations.

Supporters may share Nicol’s desire to see more arrivals before the season begins, but equally, Liverpool’s recruitment team has earned enough credit over the years to suggest patience may yet be rewarded.

Whether five or six players arrive seems highly unlikely. Even so, Nicol’s comments reflect a growing feeling among some supporters that Liverpool’s summer business is not yet complete, and that Iraola would benefit from at least a couple more additions before the real action begins.

Follow LFC Transfer Room On: X | Instagram | Facebook | Threads | Youtube