Journalist claims Liverpool set for huge transfer overhaul after Real Madrid loss with four signings expected

Liverpool could bring four players to Anfield this summer in a major transfer overhaul prompted by their 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid, a journalist has claimed.

The Reds took on Real in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday, with the end result leaving them with a monumental task on their hands at the Bernabeu.

Jurgen Klopp's side started well on and the front foot, scoring two goals in the opening 15 minutes to establish control of the tie.

Darwin Nunez scored a superb first time flick past Thibaut Courtois to open the scoring inside just four minutes. Then, the Real stopper, as he attempted a clearance, saw the ball bounce off his knee and into the path of Mohamed Salah, who made it 2-0.

Vinicius Junior then made it 2-1 with a superb curling effort into the bottom corner from 20 yards, before Liverpool's defensive frailities were exposed.

Already having gone into the break at 2-2 after Alisson's pass hit Vinicius and rebounded into the net, Klopp's side went behind on 47 minutes when an unmarked Eder Militao headed home a free kick.

Karim Benzema's deflected effort then made it 4-2, before the Frenchman took three defenders out of the game with a superb touch and placed the ball into the top corner with the goalkeeper already beaten.

It was a night to forget at Anfield for Liverpool, and a journalist claims it could prompt the club to prepare for significant changes to the playing staff this summer.

Liverpool 'set for transfer overhaul'

Taking to Twitter during the game, the Daily Mirror's David Maddock tweeted: "Think Carlo Ancelotti just inspired a major Klopp rebuild at Anfield.

"Expect at least four incoming this summer."

Whilst much of the spotlight, in terms of necessary transfers, has been placed on the midfield in recent months, it could be defence in which Klopp looks to strengthen the most this summer.

Whether four signings is deemed to be enough for Liverpool fans may depend on the quality of each player.

The signing of Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham would certainly be ideal to kickstart a rebuild, but the Reds look to need more than that - and it will be a test of how far their budget can stretch.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher slammed Liverpool after the 5-2 defeat, and said the defence simply was not good enough.

Speaking on CBS Sports, he said: "We keep talking about midfield players Liverpool need, and that's right, I think Liverpool need defenders as well, because as I said, when they get exposed, they can't defend."