Liverpool’s return to the Champions League has very much raised the stakes for the summer transfer window, with spending set to fly past £100 million as Jurgen Klopp looks to significantly bolster his squad.
As is the case every summer, the Reds have been linked with innumerable stars from around the continent, but I’ve picked out a few particular players who could help transform the team into a real European force.
Centre Back: Virgil van Dijk
No surprises here. A Van Dijk-Matip partnership strikes me as really solid, one which could finally end the Reds’ defensive woes. The Dutchman established himself as one of the Premier League’s best centre-halves last term before injury cut his season short. After Sadio Mane’s superb first season at Anfield, Liverpool are understandably tempted to dip into the Southampton market once again.
However, a number of clubs are understood to be after his signature, and a bidding war would certainly be dangerous with the 25-year old already valued at £50 million. That said, he still seems by far the best option.
Left Back: Benjamin Mendy
After playing a starring role in Monaco’s title-winning campaign, it is no surprise to see Benajmin Mendy linked with a host of top clubs. On paper, the Frenchman ticks all the boxes. He was part of a backline which shipped fewer goals than English champions Chelsea and also posed an attacking threat, notably absent from the Reds’ current full-back pairing, as he notched a mightily-impressive 12 assists over the course of the campaign. At the age of 22, time is very much on his side.
The Manchester duo are reportedly the frontrunners at the moment, but if the Reds can jump the queue and beat their rivals to a player who shone on the European stage, it would certainly be a statement of intent.
Midfield: Naby Keita
Klopp clearly has his sights set on Leipzig midfielder Keita, who had an outstanding season for the Bundesliga newcomers. An eight-goal return from midfield, along with the same number of assists, is excellent and clearly, Klopp feels the Senegalese international would enjoy a seamless transition.
However, the club have publicly declared their intention not to sell any of their first XI which, in football terms, means we’ll need to stoke up big money. A £50 million spend on a 22-year old would certainly be a gamble, and there are alternatives. Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho has long been linked with a move to top European club, and could provide some extra muscle in the midfield, while Lyon starlet Corentin Tolisso, who netted 14 times last season, is an exciting option.
It must be said that midfield additions are not the priority, though any high-profile signings could go some way to adding much-needed depth to the squad.
Forward: Iñaki Williams
Liverpool really struggled in the absence of Sadio Mane last season, lacking a clear replacement. Athletic Bilbao’s Williams emerged as a target for the Reds towards the end of 2016 and may well be the man for the job.
The 22-year old featured in every La Liga game last season, scoring five and setting up a further seven, and he possesses the blistering pace necessary to thrive in Jurgen Klopp’s attack. Whilst Williams would not come cheap, particularly given that his current deal does not expire until 2021, the Reds need a player of his ilk and he would represent the ideal ‘super sub’, with last season’s bench far from inspiring.
Striker: Alexandre Lacazette
Title-winning outfits need strikers who score for fun. Chelsea frontman Diego Costa hit 20 in 2016/17, while Roberto Firmino netted 11 for Liverpool – impressive, yes, but not enough. If the Reds intend to mount a fully-fledged title challenge, they’ll need the next Luis Suarez or Fernando Torres. Philippe Coutinho starred in a central role towards the end of last season, a position he could occupy once again, while Firmino could be moved to the left-hand side.
Alexandre Lacazette would be the perfect man to fill the void at centre forward. His goalscoring record last season was nothing short of phenomenal – 37 in 45 appearances, equating to a goal every 94 minutes. Lyon only finished fourth.
Frustratingly, Atletico Madrid look set to snap him up if their transfer ban is lifted, but this is a wishlist, and I can cling onto hope for a little while longer. If indeed we do miss out, Naby Keita’s 21-goal team-mate Timo Werner would be perhaps the next-best option, though he would likely need time to adapt to the Premier League.
We’re in the big leagues now, and our signings need to reflect that!
