Record Liverpool signing could fire Reds to next level as Women's Super League challenge becomes clear

Liverpool Women's extensive pursuit of a striker came to an end this week with the acquisition of the highly-rated Sophie Roman Haug from AS Roma.

The Norwegian became the Reds' seventh - and most likely final - signing of the summer transfer window, providing manager Matt Beard with some much needed offensive depth ahead of the upcoming Women's Super League [WSL] season. The Liverpool boss had, of course, already bolstered his attacking ranks with the additions of former Leicester City forward Natasha Flint and promising Sheffield United teenager Mia Enderby.

The former will bring plenty of experience to Prenton Park, having scored 25 goals in 63 games for the Foxes, while 18-year-old Enderby was one of the most exciting young prospects in the Championship last term, notching nine goals in all competitions. The club still, however, remained in the market for a forward that could add another dimension to their attack and help close the gap on the WSL's old guard.

Last season, Liverpool acquitted themselves well on their return to the top flight, having won promotion from the Championship at the end of the 2021/22 campaign. The Reds' primary objective was securing survival; a feat they ultimately managed to accomplish comfortably as Matt Beard's side ended the season with the joint-highest points tally of any newly-promoted side in the WSL era.

Liverpool Women begin new era as Melwood move a sign of huge progress

Liverpool and Everton clash rearranged for television broadcast

Goals, however, were not easy to come by. Liverpool found the back of the net just 24 times in their 22 league games. Only West Ham, Leicester and relegated Reading scored less and - with the Reds surely striving to better last season's