The summer transfer window is now closed and Liverpool were active until the very last minute.
Reds fans rarely get to fully get immersed in the excitement of a Deadline Day, especially since Jurgen Klopp took the reins — a manager often committed to getting his transfer business done as early in the window as possible.
However, after failing to complete deals for top targets earlier in the summer, namely Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo, Liverpool still had business to attend as 1 September rolled around.
And while the Reds left us on tenterhooks for much of the day, awaiting the announcement of a certain Dutch midfielder, we would eventually get our man through the door.
That said, Liverpool weren’t only concerned with incomings as the end of the summer window edged ever closer; there were also a handful of departures.
So, with that, here’s a full recap of Liverpool’s Deadline Day business.
INCOMINGS
Ryan Gravenberch (£34m)
Signed from: Bayern Munich
We start with Liverpool’s one and only arrival of the day — and it’s the one fans had spent the last week or so waiting for.
With little over an hour to go before the deadline, the club announced the signing of 21-year-old Dutch sensation Ryan Gravenberch, tying off Liverpool’s midfield rebuild with a neat, red bow.
The saga surrounding Gravenberch stemmed back as far as June. Liverpool had expressed interest early on in the window, only to be rebuffed by Bayern, who were at the time unwilling to sell.
However, with the midfielder desperate for regular first team football, something he wasn’t being awarded by Thomas Tuchel, the German champions became open to offers.
And for once, Liverpool didn’t mess around when it came to Bayern’s asking price, matching their demands and agreeing a fee on the 31 August.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has been among those to emphasise the crucial role of Klopp in getting this deal over the line, with the Reds boss working tirelessly to convince Gravenberch of the value of joining Liverpool’s project.
His move to Bayern may have failed to work out, but Gravenberch remains an exceptionally highly rated prospect, having already made a name for himself in his homeland for Ajax.
Liverpool have signed a gem of a midfielder; an investment for both the present and the future.
READ MORE: What went wrong for Ryan Gravenberch at Bayern Munich?
OUTGOINGS
James Norris (Loan)
Signed for: Tranmere Rovers
James Norris has today completed a loan switch to Tranmere Rovers for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 1, 2023
The latest youngster making the trip across the Mersey is 20-year-old left-back James Norris, joining Tranmere on a season-long loan.
Norris has been with Liverpool since Under-9 level, and will be eager to use his first move away from the club to gain some ever-valuable senior experience.
Norris, who can also play in midfield, was a regular fixture for the Under-21s last season, acting as a vital component as Barry Lewtas’ side came second in Premier League 2.
Here’s hoping he can leave an impression on the Liverpool bosses as he takes on the challenge of League Two football.
Luca Stephenson (Loan)
Signed for: Barrow
Following Norris to the English fourth tier will be 19-year-old Luca Stephenson, who signed for Barrow for the rest of the season.
Stephenson was also a regular in Under-21s last campaign, and has previously captained the Under-18s.
Joining from Sunderland’s academy at Under-15 level, Stephenson has impressed throughout his stint in the Liverpool youth setup, most recently earning himself a contract extension in 2022, just two years after penning his first professional contract in 2020.
A versatile defender, who can also play in the holding midfield role, Stephenson will raring to get his first taste of senior action.
Tyler Morton (Loan)
Signed for: Hull City
Tyler Morton has joined Hull City on loan for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
Good luck, Tyler
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 1, 2023
Completed 45 minutes after the original 11pm deadline, midfield prospect Tyler Morton got his move back to the Championship, joining Hull on a season-long loan.
After a highly encouraging spell with Blackburn Rovers last season, some fans pondered if Morton was ready to be called up to the Reds first team.
However, with Liverpool’s midfield rebuild making places hard to come by, the best solution for all parties was another temporary switch for the 20-year-old.
Returning to the second tier, Morton will be looking to further diversify his skillset on Humberside, hoping to prove his worth to the Liverpool hierarchy.
However, similar to Leighton Clarkson last season, you can expect this to be the last loan move for Morton. With the midfielder wanting clarity on his long-term future, the Reds will likely either have to pull the trigger on the player in 12 months time, or risk losing him permanently.
