Liverpool’s summer transfer needs: Defense should be Klopp’s priority
Liverpool need to improve their squad ahead of a European campaign in 2017-18. Who should they target, and can they get them?
Liverpool had a decent enough campaign this season, but it perhaps should’ve been even better. Their thin squad struggled through the early months of 2017, and a title challenge melted away.
Jurgen Klopp decided his squad was strong enough for a European-free season, but that won’t be the case next term. Liverpool’s summer transfer needs are clear, but where should Liverpool splash their cash?
Six months ago, most Reds fans might have immediately blurted out the word ‘goalkeeper’ to that question. Simon Mignolet has been arguably their most consistent player in 2017, bar one clanger at Hull. He could be improved upon, but in terms of the squad it’s not an urgent need.
Defensive reinforcements should be high on Klopp’s shopping list
Liverpool are well covered at right-back, as Nathaniel Clyne has an able understudy in the Reds’ recently crowned young player of the season, Trent Alexander-Arnold. There are certainly issues at left-back though. James Milner has done reasonably well there, but at 31 he’s no long-term solution. Meanwhile Alberto Moreno has spent more time clowning on the bench than playing on the pitch.
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Liverpool seem to be constantly linked with young players in this position. Perhaps Klopp is looking for someone he can mould to his requirements? The reported target last year was Leicester’s Ben Chillwell, and this summer it’s Ryan Sessegnon of Fulham.
The Reds need an injection of pace, flair and creativity from wide positions. They have been linked with Benjamin Mendy of Monaco, but they will face stiff competition for his services. Antonio Luna of Eibar would be a more realistic target. Like Mendy, Luna is in the top 10 left-backs across Europe’s big leagues for both completed dribbles and chances created. He has also tasted English football with Aston Villa, though that didn’t work out.
Center-back is another area where Liverpool require reinforcements. The Reds have a good record when they’ve fielded both Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren, suffering just one defeat. Due to injuries they’ve only played together 16 times though, and their understudies — Ragnar Klavan and Lucas Leiva — aren’t good enough for a title challenge.
Much like at left-back, the strongest link, Virgil van Dijk, may be unobtainable thanks to richer clubs also having him on their radars. The Dutchman reportedly favors a move to Anfield, but with Southampton claiming the Reds approached their player illegally, a move is far from guaranteed.
Burnley’s Michael Keane has also been linked, and for half the price of van Dijk. He has had an excellent campaign for the Clarets, and would be a decent addition to the Reds backline without breaking the bank like van Dijk would.
The Reds look light in central midfield
Jordan Henderson grew into his role at the base of Liverpool’s midfield, but he can’t be relied upon to stay fit. He has missed 35 league matches across the last two seasons, and Lucas Leiva looks likely to leave so will also need replacing.
RB Leipzig’s Guinean midfielder Naby Keita looks the real deal, and has been linked with a move to Anfield. He might also be a target for richer clubs though; are you noticing a theme here?
Barcelona are reportedly willing to offer Ivan Rakitic as part of a deal to sign Phillipe Coutinho. Reds fans would surely welcome the Croatian with open arms, but not at the expense of losing their mercurial Brazilian.
Is more pace required in attack?
Liverpool’s fanbase are crying out for the club to sign another Sadio Mane. Yet twelve months ago many didn’t want the one the Reds had just bought. The strongest link in this part of the pitch has been Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal. He’s not a Mane clone, but he does tick boxes for what Liverpool require.
The England international has completed more dribbles and created more clear-cut chances per 90 minutes played than any Reds player this season. At 23 years old, he could spend the peak years of his career at Liverpool.
Looking further afield than London, James Rodriguez ticks the ‘unlikely move’ box, while Bayer Leverkusen’s Julian Brandt is reportedly a Liverpool target and seems far more attainable.
Who will replace Daniel Sturridge?
It seems unlikely that Daniel Sturridge will remain at Liverpool beyond the summer. His injury record seems to have pushed Klopp’s patience too far.
Strikers who are suitable to play for the Liverpool manager are not so easy to identify, as it’s about a lot more than goalscoring. Timo Werner has been linked with an Anfield move, and like Roberto Firmino is in Europe’s top 30 forwards for both tackles and interceptions.
Next: Premier League 2016-17 awards: 5 best forwards
There should be plenty of transfer activity at Anfield this summer, but as only 2.7 percent of the players linked last summer actually joined Liverpool, don’t believe everything you read.