Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool have made a mistake in opting for a 'plan A or no one' recruitment policy during recent transfer windows.
The Reds have arguably been punished this season for a lack of activity in the summer window, particularly in midfield where an ageing core look jaded and unable to cope with the demands of Jurgen Klopp's style.
Early interest in Aurelien Tchouameni was quashed when the French midfielder signed for Real Madrid, but a lack of alternatives led to a period of stagnation before a late season-long loan move for Arthur Melo - he has played just 13 minutes of first-team football and is now out injured until after the World Cup.
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Liverpool's midfield was once again below par in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Leeds United, with Fabinho a shadow of his former self and Harvey Elliott shouldering too much expectation for someone who is still a teenager. Injuries to the likes of Curtis Jones, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara throughout recent months have left an already vulnerable midfield threadbare and under pressure.
And, replying to a discussion from the Anfield Wrap podcast in which transfer policy was discussed, former Reds captain Carragher detailed the mistake of not having alternative options to 'plan A' but added that the release of first-team players for free is a consequence of their successful selling plan under owners FSG.
Carragher tweeted: "It is plan A or no one, in terms of players coming in. Thats exactly what Pep Lijnders says in his book. That’s been a mistake.
"Players going for free is a consequence of Liverpool getting high fees for players. They don’t budge on what fee they want & that’s proven successful."
Liverpool saw several players leave over the summer, either for free or in a cut-price deal. Most notably, Sadio Mane was sold to Bayern Munich for just £20million as he had one year left on his contract - the Senegal international has gone on to hit 11 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions.
The Reds also saw fringe players Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi depart, with the latter leaving on a free after running his contract down and not being offered a new one.
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