SINGAPORE – They have signed just three players in the current transfer window – spending less than £50 million (S$89 million) on winger Mohamed Salah, defender Andrew Robertson and youth striker Dominic Solanke – while the majority of their English Premier League (EPL) rivals have already strengthened their squad significantly.

But former Liverpool striker John Barnes believes the Reds completed their most important signing two years ago, when they managed to convince German tactician Jurgen Klopp to come to Anfield following his departure from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.

Last season – in his first full-campaign at Liverpool – Klopp steered the Merseyside outfit to a fourth-place finish, which earned them a return to the Champions League again after two seasons away from the competition.

In the process, Klopp has earned plaudits for implementing a high-tempo, fast-paced attacking style of football that has often left opposition defences bewildered.

The 50-year-old’s ability to bring the best out of his players, and his excitable behaviour on the touchlines during games has also endeared him to Liverpool fans.

This is why Barnes, who played more than 300 games for Liverpool, insists that under Klopp’s guidance, the club will be able to challenge for the EPL title this season even if they do not make any further signings.

Speaking to TODAY on the sidelines of Singtel TV’s Premier League 2017/18 curtain-raiser event at the Luxe Arts Museum on Thursday (July 27), Barnes said: “Liverpool don’t need to compete with the other clubs financially to be successful.

“All you need is that togetherness, the harmony and that belief in the team…that is what Leicester City had when they became champions in 2016, and what Tottenham (Hotspur) have been showing over the past two seasons when they came close to winning the title.

“And Liverpool fans, including myself, trust Klopp enough to know that he is capable of creating that sort of strong team spirit, as well as empower the players he currently has to maximise their potential. That is why I believe they’ll be competing for the title this coming season.”

However, Barnes believes that while Liverpool may challenge for the EPL trophy, it will ultimately be Manchester City emerging triumphant next season.

The Citizens have already spent more than £200 million (S$3.5b) on new signings such as full-backs Benjamin Mendy, Kyle Walker and Danilo, midfielders Bernardo Silva and Douglas Luiz, as well as goalkeeper Ederson.

Man City were expected to challenge for the title last season under new manager Pep Guardiola, but fell well short as they finished third, 15 points behind champions Chelsea.

But Barnes expects Guardiola will have adapted to the unique rigours of the EPL by now, and feels that, with the quality that City possess, they are the clear favourites to win the title.

“Pep got a bit of a culture shock last year...he probably thought that he could just adopt the same approach that he had at Bayern (Munich) and Barcelona and win the league comfortably,” explained Barnes.

“Last season would have opened his eyes to how different the Premier League is compared to the German and Spanish leagues, and he’ll probably will have adapted to it by now.

“In addition, I think they now have a very balanced team with the signings they’ve made. They’ve got better full-backs now, centre-back John Stones is a year older and more experienced, and of course going forward they’ve got fantastic options like (Sergio) Aguero and Gabriel (Jesus).”

But it is not only the top clubs like Man City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal who have been active in the current transfer window.

Teams such as West Ham and Everton have also made a significant number of high-profile signings ahead of the new season.

One of the most notable transfers was Everton’s signing of English striker Wayne Rooney on a two-year contract.

While Rooney was allowed to leave Manchester United on a free transfer as he was deemed surplus to requirements by Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho, Barnes claims that the 31-year-old still has much to offer on the pitch and will prove to be an inspired signing for the Toffees.

“I love Wayne Rooney, he has been one of my favourite English players in the last 10 years along with Steven Gerard,” said Barnes.

“He plays with the right spirit, determination, humility and works hard for the team. It may not have worked out for him at United anymore, but he’s gone back to his boyhood club and spiritual home at Everton.

“So he will have that hunger to prove people wrong and play his heart out for the team he grew up in and loves. He’s got the right mentality, and I’m sure he’ll definitely have a huge impact on Everton this season.”