Didi Hamann has told talkSPORT that Liverpool won’t be challenging for the Premier League title this season.
The former Reds star is concerned over their lack of spending in the summer and has revealed what he think would be a success for them.
Liverpool kicked off the new season with a 1-1 draw away at Chelsea, with Luis Diaz the man on the scoresheet.
They have made just two signings so far as Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have joined as part of a new-look midfield.
talkSPORT understands they have agreed a £60million deal with Southampton for Romeo Lavia as Moises Caicedo heads to Chelsea.
Lavia will now decide whether to also move to Chelsea or pick Anfield as his destination.
However, Hamann does not believe they are yet able to challenge for the title as Manchester City begin to defend their crown.
Speaking exclusively on talkSPORT Breakfast, he said: “I think they are as far away as they were last season, if not further.
“If they go into the season like this, if they don’t sign anymore players, I think top four will be a big success.
“I can’t see them challenging for the title, I watched Newcastle, Arsenal were a bit underwhelming, I think City will be there again and Chelsea won’t be far away as well.
“You’ve got to beat one or two of these teams to finish in the top four, I think that will be hard enough. Title challengers? I don’t see them as title challengers at all, and it remains to be seen who they do bring in.
“Fabinho, [James] Milner, [Jordan] Henderson, I know they’re coming to the end of their careers but they’ve lost a lot of grit and a lot of steel and a lot of identity and a lot of influence in the dressing room.
“They’ve only signed two players so far so if they were to go into the season like this or finish the transfer window as they do now with just two signings, I think top four will be a success.”
It remains to be seen if Liverpool will be able to get a deal over the line for Lavia amid the interest from rivals Chelsea.
However, their summer business may not be enough to take them back to the top of the Premier League as the competition around them grows in strength.
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