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It hasn't been the finest week of Liverpool's summer, a situation made even starker with the celebrations which accompanied the previous one.

If the highs and lows of the transfer window rollercoaster ever needed evidencing, this has been the perfect chance at Anfield. The thrill of the Reds' clandestine capture of Fabinho has been replaced with the dread of events of the past few days.

First, Nabil Fekir's proposed move was signed, sealed, but somehow damaged on delivery. A possible revival of interest in Manuel Lanzini was over before it could begin, after the West Ham man suffered an ACL injury with Argentina prior to the World Cup.

And as Liverpool consider their next play for a playmaker, a slight blow in their pursuit of a goalkeeper. Alisson, who had been watched by the Reds, seemingly has made it clear he would sooner swap Roma for Real Madrid this summer.

Although the Reds have not lodged a bid with the Italians – as they instructed Alisson's representatives they wouldn't do earlier this year – the need for a new goalkeeper was thrust into the spotlight following Loris Karius's struggles in the Champions League final.

(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

It is now considered the Brazilian's heart is set on the team responsible for Karius's collapse.

From what could have been four new arrivals, and most certainly three, Liverpool now have just two as the World Cup begins.

Some supporters, in their reflex response, have started to panic. Time is running out. Another summer of transfer toil beckons. Opportunities have been missed once more.

Though the frustration is understandable, it should also been only temporary. For now, at least. Both situations, over Fekir and Alisson, are not irreversible; the personnel might change, but the goal has not. The squad needs strengthening to compete on all four fronts.

The transfer window opened on May 17, 28 days ago. Even with the sanctioned Premier League changes to the closing of the window, meaning English clubs cannot buy from August 9, 56 days remain. The summer is nowhere near at its halfway mark.

Liverpool sought to begin their business early, and did so when signing Fabinho from Monaco. But in striving to complete other deals prior to kick-off in Russia, it means there is still a lot of time to react.

Jurgen Klopp won't be panicking, nor his recruitment team. Naby Keita, although confirmed last summer, is another fresh face in the squad, and one who will be joining on the first day of pre-season training at the start of July.

Granted, the World Cup makes deals harder to do until the tournament ends – or, at least, the involvement of certain players has finished – but not all of those on the club's radar will be doing battle in Russia.

Nor are Liverpool in a unique position among the top six. In fact, with Keita and Fabinho arriving, Brighton and Leicester are the only top-flight clubs to have acquired as many new faces. Arsenal have signed Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free, Manchester United have brought young full-back Diogo Dalot to Old Trafford, and Manchester City have added Dutch defender Philippe Sandler to the squad.

(Image: FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are yet to conduct any significant business.

That does not absolve Liverpool of responsibility, of course. They finished fourth, and there is a 25-point gap to make up between themselves and Manchester City. Standing still means going backwards in this league.

But Klopp and his team are not stationary, and haven't been for a while. A deal was struck within 48 hours of full-time in Kiev, and being knocked sideways will not stop them trying to forge forwards.

After a surprise signing to remember, a week Liverpool will want to forget.

It doesn't mean a potentially memorable campaign has been put on hold just yet, however. There is still time, still plans, and still confidence of doing what needs to be done.