Players Liverpool should sign this summer to mount a title challenge

Liverpool had a terrific 2017/18 campaign and managed to reach the Champions League final after 11 years and finished 4th in the Premier League, thereby guaranteeing Champions League football next season as well. However, one thing that all big teams and pundits figured out last season about Liverpool is their lack of squad depth and the fragile back line.

Squad depth was the main difference between Liverpool and title winners Manchester City. Although Liverpool beat Manchester City on three occasions last season, City's squad depth helped them rotate their best players and give adequate rest to them to ensure that they perform at the highest level in many crucial games.

The depth in squad and player rotation is one of the main reasons why Manchester City dominated the league and won by a huge margin, notching a record 100 points in the process. Although Liverpool have proven that on their day, they can beat any team in the world.

It was their lack of squad depth which resulted in a lot of inconsistent performances last season. This is definitely something which Jurgen Klopp and the Liverpool management team have to look into and should look to add a few more top class players to the squad.

Liverpool signed Fabinho from AS Monaco for €43.6 million and he is a very versatile central defensive midfielder which makes him a great addition to the squad. Also, not to mention the signing of Leipzig midfield maestro Naby Keita which was done before the start of last season.

These two transfers are shrewd pieces of business done by Liverpool which shows definite intent to develop a star-studded squad and challenge rivals Manchester City for the title next season. However, a few more signings are required in order for Liverpool to mount a serious title challenge next year.

Here's a list of four players that Liverpool should look sign:

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#1 Nabil Fekir

The Lyon captain had a stellar season in the Ligue 1 which resulted in him getting nominated for Ligue 1 player of the year. He amassed a total of 18 goals and 8 assists in the league and 24 goals and 9 assists in all competitions. He played a pivotal role in helping his club finish in the top three, which guarantees Champions League football for them next season.

Fekir will definitely be a great signing as he possesses exquisite passing, dribbling and shooting skills. Moreover, he will provide Jurgen Klopp with more options up front where serious depth was lacking.

Fekir is still only 24 years of age and is yet to reach the prime of his career which gives Klopp more incentive to bring him to Anfield.

Read all the Liverpool transfer news here

#2 Jan Oblak

Jan Oblak

After Loris Karius’ high profile errors in the Champions League final and Mignolet who has always been an error-prone keeper, it’s high time that Liverpool sign a truly world class keeper which is something that the club has lacked since the departure of Pepe Reina.

The Slovenian shot-stopper has been an absolute rock in goal for Atletico Madrid over the last few seasons and is arguably the third best keeper in the world behind De Gea and Manuel Neuer. He is by some distance the best keeper in the La Liga and kept 21 clean sheets last season, the most by any keeper in the league.

His world-class shot-stopping ability and distribution will definitely be an upgrade on the skill set possessed by Karius and Mignolet. The fact that Oblak is only 25 years old gives all the more incentive for Liverpool to snap him up because an upgrade on goal is definitely required.

Although there is speculation that Liverpool are pursuing Roma's shot-stopper Alisson, Oblak would definitely be a better signing based on the fact that he is a more experienced and proven goalkeeper at bigger stages. The €100 million valuation of the Slovenian shot-stopper is definitely a hefty price tag. However, with Oblak being only 25 years of age Liverpool should view it as a wise long-term investment.

#3 Timo Werner

Timo Werner

RB Leipzig star man Werner has been a revelation in the Bundesliga over the last two seasons and will be leading the line for Germany at the World Cup this summer. The young German along with Naby Keita, who has already made the switch to Anfield inspired RB Leipzig to a second place finish in the 16/17 season, which was also their debut season in the Bundesliga.

The only top class striker at Liverpool is Brazilian Roberto Firmino and in case of injury to him Liverpool do not have a good back up striker. Youngster Dominic Solanke has struggled to adapt to life at Merseyside and injury prone Danny Ings definitely does not have the ability of a top class striker.

Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge have not proven their worth during their respective loan spells and should be sold this summer. Werner who is just 22 years old is definitely the kind of striker Liverpool should be targeting taking into account he suits Klopp’s high energy and pressing style of play.

Along with speed and dribbling skills, the young German is a serial goal scorer and netted 21 goals last season. His strike rate for Germany also is outstanding so far in his short international career. Getting the German to Anfield may prove to be a difficult task as he is a wanted man by many top clubs and Leipzig will definitely not let go of their star man easily and may put a hefty price tag on him.

If Liverpool, are looking to mount a serious title challenge next season they should definitely look to sign the young German.

#4 Jamaal Lascelles

Lascelles

The Englishman, who captains Newcastle, had a fantastic 17/18 season and put in so many inspiring performances to ensure that his club remained in the Premier League. Lascelles who stands at 6 feet 2 inches and strong as an Ox can prove to be a terrific signing for Liverpool to provide competition to Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip to partner van Dijk at the heart of the defence.

He may not be as skilled as other centre-backs, but Lascelles has a reasonable amount of Premier League experience and can provide a lot of squad depth for Liverpool as they prepare to participate in four competitions next season. Lascelles is good in the air, comes up with crunching tackles and has displayed immense leadership skills.

Under the right guidance, Lascelles definitely has the potential to turn into a world-class centre-back. His valuation may not be too high as well and the fact that Lascelles is quite young should prove to be an enticing factor for Liverpool.