We’re only in February but talk has already been brewing with regards to the targets manager Jurgen Klopp should be looking for this summer
The consensus has been that the side needs to bulk up with a new left-back who’s also capable of contribution in the final third and a centre-back to partner the impressive Joel Matip.
It would be a blasphemy to cite Liverpool’s attack as needing reinforcements in the summer – especially with the Reds top scorers in the league with 54 goals; they share this feat with Arsenal but the shortcomings that Liverpool endured in January when Sadio Mane was absent through the Africa Cup Of Nations hinted to a lack of contingency plans going forward – i.e a wide forward who can play as a centre-forward too) as well as a 20-goal-a-season striker.
This can be partially traced to the lack of squad depth in the side.
Klopp will be need to share some responsibility due to a failure to address this in the summer, especially when he knew of Mane’s absence.
So, here are my picks for players Klopp should consider in the summer for us to potentially pose a serious title assault.
It could be a long transfer window for both manager and Fenway Sports Group too. No excuses for either party. Next year simply can’t be another season of ‘what ifs’ for the club.
Goalkeeper: Samir Handanovic
Has the calibre, experience and pedigree required to challenge Loris Karius for the number one spot next season. Danny Ward is an outsider – but could be possibly feature in cup games next season.
Left Back: Jonas Hector
Maybe a bit of an optimistic shout, but Hector is the perfect left-back that can function in a back three or a back four. Hector wouldn’t make a bad left wing-back either. He created 57 opportunities for FC Koln last season.
He’ll obviously be dispensing makeshift left-back James Milner from the side – but I think Alberto Moreno should be the back-up for Hector, should Klopp opt for a back three next season. If not, an alternative to Hector will also be required.
Centre Back: Virgil Van Dijk
Think he’ll be on most fans wish list. We’re currently lacking a quality centre back to partner the indispensable Joel Matip. Liverpool fans have had to ensure either Lucas, Ragnar Klavan or Dejan Lovren partnering Matip all season. There is of course the matter of 19-year old Joe Gomez, but I expect him to be loaned out next season to increase his gametime and subsequently, confidence.
Brendan Rodgers claimed earlier this week he wanted to sign Van Dijk whilst he was Liverpool manager and now you can see why. His height, physicality & aptitude to read the game compliments that of Matip’s. I’ve heard Jonathan Tah mentioned too, but I’m going for Van Dijk here due to his consistency.
Could turn out to be another fanciful claim should Van Dijk sign for one of our rivals. If he signed for us, I’d love to see him replace Dejan Lovren or Ragnar Klavan.
Central Midfielder: Radja Nainggolan
Haven’t really heard this name mentioned often, but I think he’d be a great buy for us in midfield
The Belgian is more of a defensive midfielder than a traditional central midfielder and is that physical athlete in midfield we really need.
At the moment, we lack an athletic midfielder who can tackle, win aerial duels as well as contributing massively in attack. Only problem is the fact that he’s poor at crossing; we’ve lacked a natural set-piece taker since the Gerrard days.
Otherwise, the potential to be a great signing. Antonio Conte was reportedly interested in Nainggolan before the season began, so what could possibly go wrong? The other possible signing is Lenandro Paredes, but looking at the stats, he’s not even at some of our midfielders’ levels.
Can see him replacing Emre Can in midfield and provide some competition for Jordan Henderson too for the deep-lying midfield role.
Right Wing: Quincy Promes
Promes is a player who’s cropped up quite a few times. I’d personally think he’d be the perfect right-winger for Liverpool – I’ve already discussed it in a separate article, so won’t do so again.
With Klopp unlikely to switch to a back three for either this/next season (even though I’d like to see it happen), Promes will seamlessly slot into the side – drifting from infield and making those key runs into the box like a traditional centre forward. Would be the perfect Plan B for Sadio Mane.
Striker: Alexandre Lacazette
This might be slightly ambitious but we are in need of a 20 goal a season striker. At the moment, Liverpool are top goalscorers in the league with Arsenal and have various different goalscorers.
But, to win a title, you must, in my mind, have a clear [at least 20] goal a season striker. With Roberto Firmino misfiring and Sadio Mane carrying a burden to be Liverpool’s most influential player, we need a proven goalscorer.
Chelsea y have Diego Costa. Leicester had Jamie Vardy. Man City have Sergio Aguero. The list goes on.
Lacazette is a pacey, nippy player that can easily get behind defences and he has scored 92 goals in 193 games. That equates to a goal every two games. Not bad that! With Daniel Sturridge likely leaving this summer, I think Lacazette is the right man.
The only problem with him is that he’s only played in the French league before with Lyon, so it’s the question of whether FSG will be willing to spend £30-50m on a striker who has only played in Ligue 1.
Oh, and he’s got 20 goals this season already for Lyon.