Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes they are not title contenders this season.
The German spoke after the club's entertaining but ultimately disappointing 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Despite taking an early lead through Luis Diaz, the Reds were begged back and were the inferior side for much of the second half.
Hamann, speaking on talkSPORT, is concerned about the club's lack of transfer moves.
He said: "I think they are as far away as they were last season, if not further. If they go into the season like this if they don't sign anymore players, I think top four will be a big success.
"I can't see them challenging for the title; I watched Newcastle; Arsenal were a bit underwhelming; I think City will be there again; and Chelsea won't be far away as well.
"You've got to beat one or two of these teams to finish in the top four; I think that will be hard enough. Title challengers? I don't see them as title challengers at all, and it remains to be seen who they do bring in.
"Fabinho, [James] Milner, [Jordan] Henderson, I know they're coming to the end of their careers, but they've lost a lot of grit, a lot of steel, a lot of identity, and a lot of influence in the dressing room.
"They've only signed two players so far, so if they were to go into the season like this or finish the transfer window as they do now with just two signings, I think top four will be a success."