The summer transfer window officially opens in a week’s time, but the crazy season is already upon us as clubs look to strengthen their squad with shrewd signings. After starting last season incredibly, where Jurgen Klopp’s men raised hell with their ‘heavy metal’ style of play, Liverpool faltered earlier in the year as it became apparent that they didn’t have the adequate strength in depth to challenge for silverware.
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Over the course of the season, the Reds somehow managed to finish 4th, just a point ahead of Arsenal, and have a chance to qualify for the main draw of the Champions League after a long gap. And now, they seek to strengthen their squad to challenge for silverware.
Also read: Liverpool capture Mohamed Salah, but what next for the Reds?
They have already been linked with quite a few players, so here are five of the most prominent of those names and we look at the possibility of them arriving at Anfield in the summer.
#5 Virgil van Dijk
Transfer fee: €75 million. Chances of joining 30%
The fact that he is not a Liverpool player yet is the fault of the Merseyside outfit. After convincing the Saints player to join them, Southampton lodged a complaint against the Anfield outfit for apparent wrongdoing in their pursuit of the player.
In response, the Reds apologised and dropped their interest in Virgil van Dijk. However, ‘dropping the interest’ part might have been exaggerated as Jurgen Klopp still seems interested in signing him. As per reports by the reliable Gianluca di Marzio, however, Chelsea might have won the race to sign the defender.
The Dutchman is a fantastic reader of the game who can intercept danger even before it arises. He is also very strong aerially and nullifies almost every aerial threat thrown at him. If, however, by some miracle, he joins Liverpool, then he’d be a smashing partner for Joel Matip.
However, his price is a bit too much and that’s why he would be a 7/10.
#4 Kieran Tierney
Transfer fee: €20-25 million. Chances of joining 60%
Liverpool’s left-back conundrum has lasted for so long that it has become almost difficult to remember the last quality player they had in that position. When Alberto Moreno was bought, the Reds’ fans were filled with optimism. However, he hasn’t been the same player ever since joining the Merseyside club.
And now, they are actively scouring the market for someone who could take up the mantle from the much-maligned Spaniard.
One of the players they are currently looking at is Celtic’s Kieran Tierney. The 20-year old is energetic and tenaciously works on the left flank. He is a raw talent and has a long way to go, but under the tutelage of Jurgen Klopp, he could develop into a world class player.
Keeping all this in mind, he would be a 7.5/10 signing.
#3 Benjamin Mendy
Transfer fee: €50 million. Chances of joining 25%
Benjamin Mendy was among Liverpool’s first transfer targets, but his high value somewhat stalled the deal from their end. The Monaco man had a solid season in which he helped his team to the Ligue 1 title while also assisting them to a semi-final spot.
The thing that stands out about him is his all-round ability as a full-back. While on the pitch he likes to attack more, providing astute crosses while blazing past his direct opponent, he is also a hard working player who doesn’t leave the backline uncovered.
It is for this reason that he is among the most coveted players in Europe right now as a host of clubs, including Manchester City, want to acquire his services. However, he is quite temperamental; he had to sit out for 5 match for attacking Corentin Tolisso, and often fails to keep his temper in check.
Regardless of that, he is a great talent who would definitely remove Liverpool’s left-back woes should Jurgen Klopp be able to poach him. Keeping all this in mind, he would be an 8/10 signing for the Reds.
#2 Kylian Mbappe
Transfer fee: North of a €100 million. Chances of joining: 15%
And the kid of the hour, the most sought-after player in Europe, the one many claim will be THE best player in the world in the future, Kylian Mbappe is a star on the rise. After only becoming a first-team regular in November last year, he hasn’t looked back and has forged his way up to stardom.
After breaking numerous records in his short time in competitive football, Mbappe seems destined for greatness and it seems as though Liverpool want to be a part of that greatness. While a host of clubs, including Arsenal and PSG, are after his signature, the player, according to reports, has set his sight on a move to Madrid – the club of his heart.
Despite being only 18, he has shown an incredible amount of maturity whenever he has played as his decision-making is a cut above the rest of the youngsters. And it shows. Not only does he have great technique, he also knows when to go for the finish and when to pick out his team-mates.
However, there is always a risk signing an 18-year old with only 7 months of top-light experience and that too for a world record fee. Having said that, he is too much of a talent to lose his way and he will certainly get a lot of playing time at Liverpool than he would at any other club.
This is why, he will be a 9.5/10 signing for the Reds even for a record fee.
#1 Naby Keita
Transfer fee: €60-70 million. Chances of joining: 75%
Ever since the departure of Xabi Alonso and then Steven Gerrard, Liverpool have lacked a midfielder who could gift the forwards with creativity from deep. While Coutinho is a special talent, he is not someone who could set the tempo from the deep and provide the necessary creativity from there.
But Naby Keita can – and he is pretty damn good at it.
Indeed, if a list of the most underrated midfielders is complied, Naby Keita would certainly be in it. RB Leipzig were the surprise package of Bundesliga, finishing second ahead of Borussia Dortmund, and Keita was the architect of Leipzig’s dream season.
A midfielder in the Steven Gerrard mould, at his best, Keita can do everything, just like Gerrard in his prime could. Keita is a good dribbler who can get out of tight spaces, has the vision to make deadly passes and the tenacity to shield the defence.
He is the all-round package and he will be the best signing for the Merseyside outfit should they get him. For this, he would be a 10/10 signing even for €60-70 million, which is not much in today’s inflated market.
