Liverpool have moved swiftly at the start of the summer transfer window, securing deals for Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Those new recruits, signed for a combined £95m, will bolster Jurgen Klopp's engine room as the Reds hope to put a below par campaign firmly behind them.
Thoughts now turn to the next potential move. Liverpool have been linked to additional midfield talent, with Romeo Lavia and Khephren Thuram two players of interest. But the club have also been exploring potential centre-back targets.
Which of those positions is the biggest priority as things stand? Our writers have their say...
'A certain midfielder would be perfect but defensive options if not'
Paul Gorst: Since we're indulging ourselves in this particular piece, I would love to see Liverpool return to the negotiating table with Brighton for a certain Moises Caicedo.
The Ecuador international is a one-man midfield who is also capable of playing as a dynamic right-back for good measure. But seeing as the talk around the Seagulls star has gone quiet, I think if Liverpool are to add to their ranks next it should be a left-sided centre-half capable of playing in the new-look system.
As the ECHO reported back in March, England Under-21 international Levi Colwill has a string of admirers within the club and after 16 appearances for Brighton last season, he could be ready to take the next step. He wouldn't necessarily be a first-choice next season given his relative inexperience but he certainly fits the bill if and when the system changes to a back three, which is something left-back Andy Robertson isn't wholly suited to.
If Caicedo is off the table - and I might have to sadly admit defeat in that pursuit - then a defender has to be next on the shopping list. Then and only then should thoughts return to a third midfielder as talk of Romeo Lavia continues.
'Can't be left short in defence again as Fabinho holds the key'
Theo Squires: I think Fabinho holds the key to Liverpool's next signing, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai already brought in as part of the Reds' midfield revamp.
The Brazilian endured a poor season last year, only to pick up form following Liverpool's change of formation with Trent Alexander-Arnold alongside him in the box midfield. If the early signs in pre-season suggest Fabinho can rediscover his best form, then attentions can be switched to the Reds' defence.
Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez have right-hand side of the defence covered between them in the new set-up, with the latter also a capable back-up for Alexander-Arnold, albeit in the more traditional 4-3-3 formation. But with all four of Liverpool's senior centre-backs missing games through injury last year, Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip both the wrong side of 30, and Andy Robertson not naturally suited to his new role, a new left-sided centre-back is needed.
The Reds were badly stung by not boasting enough centre-backs in 2020/21. Arguably needing more cover in the position now with the new formation, but with Nat Phillips likely to depart, they can't go into the new campaign short again. They're arguably looking for a long-term Van Dijk replacement, and while that is the hardest of missions, Levi Colwill of Chelsea certainly has his admirers.
Whether the Londoners are willing to sell is a different question entirely, but if a transfer is possible, Liverpool have to be in the conversation. Then attentions can turn back to midfield if needed, safe in the knowledge they currently possess eight senior options.
Of course, if Fabinho still isn't up to scratch or Saudi Arabai tempts Thiago Alcantara or Jordan Henderson, then the Reds will need to reassess such a stance, with a new defensive midfielder then very much a priority. But given they don't possess unlimited funds and need to choose their battles wisely, bolstering their defensive ranks currently trumps the engine room, with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai so far the evidence of a job well done.
'Defender the priority and Colwill is dream ticket'
Sean Bradbury: Liverpool would be able to get both of these deals done in an ideal world.
But in terms of most pressing priority, there is plenty to consider.
The switch to the new box midfield formation is already asking different questions of Andy Robertson. Whereas Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez look well suited to a back three, the Scot will have more on his plate to fully adapt to it. At the very least there will be some curbing of the attacking instincts that have made him such a vital Reds player.
All that adds up to a left-sided centre-back signing making sense. Not to replace Robertson just yet, but certainly to compete with him.
In terms of a third midfielder, a more defensive-minded recruit would be the logical next step to follow deals for Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Yet if it boils down to one transfer as the next priority? A new defender.
Liverpool are fairly well stocked in the engine room now, especially given Trent Alexander-Arnold will likely be lining up as part of a double pivot.
For this season at least, there is ample cover for the no.6 role next to him. Fabinho, Stefan Bajcetic, Jordan Henderson and even Thiago Alcantara against certain opposition could occupy that spot.
Let's see how the rest of this window develops. It is perhaps wishful thinking, but Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia would be the dream ticket...
