Matt Beard shares where he wants to strengthen next after Liverpool Women sign Olivia Smith
Liverpool Women manager Matt Beard has revealed where he wants to further strengthen his squad this summer following the signing of Olivia Smith.
On the club’s official website (4 July), Beard gave an interview following the signing of Smith from Sporting CP for a club-record fee [BBC Sport, June 27].
The 19-year-old signed for the Reds after the activation of her £210,000 release clause.
He said: “I think we’re probably looking at one, two max. We’re pretty settled with the squad. As I say, we wanted to just address the top end of the pitch.”
Liverpool spend big to bridge gap on top of WSL
Liverpool made incredible strides in the Women’s Super League last season, securing a fourth-place finish.
Now, Beard is looking to put the finishing touches on his side to bridge the gap to the top three.
Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal have all invested heavily in their sides.
The signing of Levante striker Mayra Ramirez to Chelsea for £385,000 is the current British-record fee.
Liverpool are certainly making moves to try and catch up and they sent a statement to the rest of the WSL with their acquisition of Smith.
The Reds lost Melissa Lawley and Shanice van de Sanden at the end of the season, both of whom only managed a goal each in the WSL last term.
Sophie Roman Haug was the Reds’ top scorer in the WSL last season with seven goals. The league’s top goalscorer, Khadija Shaw of Manchester City, scored 21 goals in 18 matches.
Smith scored 13 goals in 18 Liga BPI appearances for Sporting CP last season, nearly double that of Haug’s tally.
Liverpool need firepower if they are to challenge at the top of the WSL and Beard is well aware of the fact.
Fenway Sports Group need to continue to back Beard with the money needed to strengthen the forward line, they could be rewarded with the club’s first WSL title since 2014.
In other Liverpool news, Liverpool Women announce Olivia Smith signing for club-record fee.
For more Liverpool news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.