And soon there will be six. Nathaniel Clyne's impending move to Anfield means Liverpool's signings this summer will number half a dozen. The notion that June was the one month in the footballing calendar that afforded a chance of a break has been ignored on Merseyside. They have been busier than ever.
It amounts to a reaction to underachievement. Liverpool have been decisive in the extreme, addressing shortcomings in the squad, identifying areas where they have struggled and finding replacements for departing players, both major and minor.
A glance at their transfer record during Fenway Sports Group’s ownership and Brendan Rodgers’s management should preach caution. Their poor strike rate should mean it cannot be assumed weaknesses have been rectified.
Yet their squad is taking shape, and at a time when most of their peers have barely made a signing. Liverpool still have to dispose of the unwanted, something that has proved a problem in the past, but they have addressed each department of the side.
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In goal, Adam Bogdan has arrived to provide a higher calibre deputy to Simon Mignolet than the unconvincing Brad Jones, even if many would rather have seen a probable first-choice 'keeper recruited. The England Under 19 international Joe Gomez represents the latest attempt to find a centre-back who can be the long-term answer in the centre of defence, a position that has proved a weak link in recent years and where Liverpool attempted to buy themselves time by renewing Kolo Toure's contract and offering Martin Skrtel a new deal.
Clyne can be seen as a like-for-like replacement for Glen Johnson as another England international right-back but with the probable difference that Rodgers surely will not use Emre Can out of position while leaving a specialist on the bench.
As it long seemed likely that Clyne would join Manchester United and, as arguably only Branislav Ivanovic was a better right-back in the Premier League last season, his addition looks a coup.
Wearily accustomed to missing out on their prime targets, Liverpool have effected a role reversal.
James Milner was much in demand, and not just because Manchester City were keen to keep him. A promise of regular first-team football in the centre of midfield has tempted him to Anfield, where he will be burdened with comparisons to the local hero Steven Gerrard.
Milner is less likely to succeed at the spectacular, but his phlegmatic temperament, many attributes and considerable engine should equip him to cope.
Danny Ings also attracted admirers. Burnley’s quicksilver striker has speed of foot and thought alike, qualities that should serve him well at Anfield which, with the notable exceptions of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, has been something of a strikers’ graveyard in recent years.
Tottenham Hotspur offered £12 million (Dh69.3m) for Ings, but he preferred Liverpool. The newcomer also outscored all of their out-and-out forwards in the Premier League last season, which is both impressive and an indictment of the injury-prone Sturridge and the struggling Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert.
But Roberto Firmino represents the statement signing.
Liverpool’s difficulties in attracting a marquee recruit made the Brazilian’s arrival, following a wretched season, all the more dramatic. His £29 million fee has only been exceeded once in Anfield history, when the ill-fated Andy Carroll joined.
The Brazilian struck 22 times for Hoffenheim in the 2013/14 season but tends to be more of a supplier than a scorer.
Both his position, either as a No 10 or playing off either flank, and his fee suggests Liverpool may be spending the proceeds of Raheem Sterling's sale to Manchester City before the Englishman has actually gone.
Yet, if so, it stands in contrast to last summer’s search for a striker when, following Suarez’s exit, 45 days elapsed before the desperate move for Balotelli.
Perhaps lessons have been learnt at Liverpool. Yet while speed is no guarantee of success, at least they have stolen a march with the way they have proceeded with their planning.
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