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Don’t panic: Steve McManaman calls for Liverpool patience in ‘crazy’ transfer market

Juergen Klopp’s Reds arrive in Hong Kong on Monday for Premier League Asia Trophy with just two new additions to their squad

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Steve McManaman with the Premier League trophy at a function with Barclays at the South China Morning Post offices in Causeway Bay. Photo: Edmond So

Former midfielder Steve McManaman has urged Liverpool fans not to panic despite Juergen Klopp’s side arriving in Hong Kong for this week’s Asia Trophy with just two new additions to a squad that finished fourth in the Premier League last season.

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Former Chelsea midfielder Mohamed Salah and teenage striker Dominic Solanke landed with their new teammates in Hong Kong on Monday ahead of Wednesday’s tournament opener against Crystal Palace.

And while the likes of local rivals Everton have been one of the most active sides ahead of the new season with around £90 million (HK$918 million) of new talent walking through the doors at Goodison Park, the arrivals of Salah from Roma and Solanke from Chelsea have been countered by the departure of Lucas Leiva to Lazio.

The likes of Lazar Markovic, Pedro Chirivella and Mamadou Sakho are also set to be leave Anfield, while Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk and RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita continue to be linked with Liverpool.

“They will certainly bring in more people, but who they are, I have no idea,” said McManaman, who visited the South China Morning Post office on Monday following his arrival with the Liverpool party for a corporate event in association with Barclays.

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Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (right) in action against Wigan Athletic last week. Photo: Reuters
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (right) in action against Wigan Athletic last week. Photo: Reuters
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