Liverpool head into the new season looking to make back the ground on Man City after a season plagued by injuries and poor form left them 17 points behind their rivals last year. While there is a quiet optimism around the club as the new Premier League season approaches, the recent signings of Jack Grealish for City and Romelu Lukaku at Chelsea may force Liverpool’s hand as they endeavour to be truly competitive in the title race.
The return of Virgil van Dijk will feel like a new signing for Jurgen Klopp and his staff, who made do with limited centre back options for the vast majority of last season and responded with an actual new signing in the impressive Ibrahima Konaté. Joe Gomez’s return to fitness will provide more than capable backup alongside fan favourite Joel Matip.
New contracts for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinhho and Alisson will help to keep the core intact for years to come but in terms of 2021/22 there are still holes to be plugged, particularly in light of losing Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah to the African Cup of Nations in January.
The departure of Gini Wijnaldum to PSG has left a gap in Liverpool’s midfield with the Dutchman having been a firm favourite of Klopp’s during his time at the club. While the return of van Dijk and signing of Konaté allows Fabinho to return to his preferred midfield role, it is likely that Klopp will look to replace Wijnaldum’s box to box profile with a new signing.
Signings to fill those holes don’t necessarily have to be marquee moves, but with Liverpool having become increasingly famed for their shrewdness in the transfer window, many of the much touted links make considerable sense.
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Jarrod Bowen:
Bowen performed excellently for West Ham and contributed a lot to their surprisingly successful campaign- he would make for a great fit at Anfield, particularly given his versatility and high-energy all-around game.
The way in which Bowen is competent with both feet and comfortable on either wing no doubt makes him a good match for the 4-3-3 setup which Liverpool have used to such great effect in recent seasons.
Bowen’s potential cost has been discussed at around £25m after he contributed eight goals and five assists last year- backup output which Liverpool will sorely need. Such an acquisition would be particularly important if the rumours swirling about possible departures for Swiss star Xherdan Shaqiri and Champions League final goalscorer Divock Origi prove to be true.
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Arnaut Danjuma:
If Klopp deems such an asking price to be excessive for Bowen, there have been solid reports of interest in Bournemouth and Netherlands star Arnaut Danjuma. The tricky winger scored 15 goals in the Championship last season and allegedly wants to leave the Cherries after they failed in their push for promotion.
Danjuma generally plays on the left wing and likes to cut in and use his preferred right foot. He has scored once in 2 appearances for the Netherlands having impressed both Ronald Koeman and his successor Frank de Boer.
While Bournemouth rejected a £13m bid from Villareal for Danjuma, it is likely that his eventual fee would be considerably less than the alternatives, and the 24-year-old could thrive as an impact player under Klopp’s mentorship.
Dusan Vlahovic:
Another name mentioned in terms of Liverpool adding firepower to their squad is Fiorentina marksman Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbia international has been the apple of many clubs’ eyes this summer and would undoubtedly be a great signing for Liverpool.
However, whether or not the club would be willing to part with the reported £60m price tag is questionable. Vlahovic scored 21 times in 37 Serie A games last year- a hugely impressive haul for a 21-year-old who’s also been heavily linked with Spurs. His eventual destination may be influenced by whether or not Harry Kane gets his wish and leaves White Hart Lane.
Saul Niguez:
One transfer saga which has been bubbling all summer has been that of Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid. Niguez has reportedly told the Spanish club of his desire to move on, however his astronomical wage demands are said to have put off the Reds according to James Pearce of the Athletic.
Niguez, at 27-years-old, is older than Liverpool’s usual profile for midfielders and forwards but would provide the kind of quality needed to reinforce Liverpool’s status as genuine contenders for not only the Premier League but also the Champions League.
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