The Reds will be looking to add more strength to it’s squad in summer.
As the end of the 2018/19 campaign approaches, Liverpool are currently in a position to battle for the Premier League and the Champions League, arguably the two most prestigious titles in club football. It’s perhaps not being considered by many just yet, but it’s plausible for the Reds to win both given their current state in each competition. Jurgen Klopp’s side are two points clear in their domestic league, albeit with one more match played, and have drawn FC Porto in the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite tournament. Since Klopp’s arrival, the rise in prominence of Michael Edwards, and the incorporation of advanced analytics into proceedings, the decision-making at the club has been virtually flawless. This has led to relatively unearthed gems such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane and Alisson Becker being signed before being snapped up by more established European heavyweights. To continue their upward trajectory, the Reds will have to press on with their productive squad-building once more in the upcoming transfer window. Here are the five players that Liverpool could sign in summer.
1. Paulo Dybala
The Juventus forward has been linked with a move to Anfield recently. Dybala has been under performing this season and his poor performances have resulted in rumors of him leaving the Serie A. Jurgen Klopp is keen to add a creative midfielder in his side. The Reds have struggled to create the chances and need a midfielder who can score goals and create chances as well. Reports in Italy claimed last month that Liverpool are close to agreeing a deal with Juventus for Dybala. However given the stature of the player, Liverpool won’t be the sole club looking at his signatures. The likes of Manchester United and Bayern Munich has also been linked with Dybala.
2. Matthijs De Ligt
Ever since the injury to Joe Gomez, Liverpool are looking shaky in defense. Surely their defense did enhance ever since the purchase of Virgil Van Djik but if Liverpool want to challenge for titles net season, Jurgen Klopp knows he needs a world class defender. Liverpool can once again break the transfer record and sign Matthijs De Ligt. De Ligt has played with Van Djik on international level and if possible would also play with him on club level. There’s no hiding from the fact that De Ligt looks certain to leave Ajax in summer. He himself admitted he’s open to a move to Liverpool. However the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus are all keen to sign De Ligt so it will take a hefty fee for Liverpool to sign the Dutchman.
3. Isco
Liverpool desperately need someone who can come short for the ball and pierce the opposition lines, someone who can create chances out of nothing – and particularly against teams that sit in a deep, narrow defensive shell. A player like Isco can exactly fill the void that Liverpool have been looking ever since the departure of Philippe Coutinho. The Spaniard has an uncertain future and is keen to move out of Madrid. Isco is out of favour at Real Madrid. The Spanish playmaker has made more substitute appearances than starts in La Liga this term. Liverpool are therefore in the mix alongside Manchester United for a summer swoop. But, with Zinedine Zidane’s return, the 26-year-old has featured in both games under his management, which could see him at the forefront of Los Blancos’ new plans.
4. Marco Asensio
Just like Isco, Marco Asensio’s growth has been stalled this season. The Spaniard has struggled ever since Zidane left and has been linked with a move to Premier League for quite a while. The winger can add much depth to the attacking line up of Liverpool. Liverpool have played the trio of Sadio Mane, Mohammed Salah and Roberto Firmino. Jurgen Klopp don’t have a player who can challenge their spot and need an attacking player who can provide them depth in attack. Liverpool have been among the clubs in contention for Asensio’s signature. However, with Zidane back at the helm, any door that was originally open has been closed as the Madrid boss looks to return Asensio to the squad.
5. Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Liverpool drew three out of four Premier League games in January and February this season when Trent Alexander-Arnold was absent, highlighting his importance to the team. Liverpool’s narrow 4-3-3 makes the full-backs particularly important to Klopp, and deep-lying opposition need to be threatened by good crosses and in the absence of Arnold, Liverpool have struggled to make chances. James Milner has been deployed as right back but hasn’t been that effective. If there’s a right back that Jurgen Klopp could sign then it has to be Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The 21 year old will give Arnold a much needed competition and has been excellent for Crystal Palace this season. However the Reds will face competition from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United who look favourites to sign the English player.
