Liverpool finished the season as English, European and world champions but there is always room for improvement, despite the Reds reaching 99 points in the league this season. Fans have been speculating about players who the club could bring in and dreams of an ideal summer are in full swing. But, what does that ideal summer look like for Liverpool?
An Ideal Summer for Liverpool
Defence
This would start with defensive reinforcements. A replacement for Dejan Lovren at centre-back and cover at left-back would be sufficient.
In terms of central defence, there have been a few names being thrown around. Brighton & Hove Albion’s Ben White is among them – he has been impressing potential suitors on loan at newly-promoted Leeds United. White averaged 1.6 tackles and 2.5 interceptions a game with Leeds which matches up well the some of the Reds’ centre backs.
Ideally, it would be great for Liverpool to bring in one of Europe’s hottest talents, but the noise coming out of the club suggests Liverpool will not spend big this window unless they raise funds through sales. Therefore, Ben white for £30+ million pounds might be the right option to bring in a fourth centre-back.
Liverpool also need left-back cover and have reportedly agreed a £11.75 million fee for Kostas Tsimikas’ services. The medical is expected to take place this week.
Midfield
When it comes to midfield, there’s one name on every fans’ lips; Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara. The Spaniard’s contract runs out at the Bavarian outfit next summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Spaniard wants to join Liverpool but it’s up to the Reds to pay the £27 million pound price tag. Jurgen Klopp is keen on him but will have to raise funds to do so.
A world-class player in his prime for a cut-price fee? The club should be all over this and, with potential outgoings, it has a good chance of being completed. He matches up well against some of Liverpool’s current members of the engine room. Thiago averages 1.71 key passes per game compared to Jordan Henderson’s 1.27. Also, his xGBuildup is 0.79 compared to the captain’s 0.4.
The Spanish maestro is also more than capable defensively. An average of 2.2 tackles per 90 minutes trumps Georginio Wijnaldum’s effort of one per 90 minutes. Thiago also averages quadruple the number of interceptions every game than his Dutch counterpart.
If Liverpool want to take their squad to the next level, Thiago would be a good start. He improves the first 11 and adds a different string to their bow and adds incredible depth to that midfield.
Attack
Liverpool have arguably the best attack in the world but they don’t have the depth to back it up if there are injuries. The likes of Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi have played their part when called upon but the worry is if there’s a long term injury, Liverpool need someone who can be consistent and provide that extra bit of quality that others lack.
Takumi Minamino was signed in January but plays centrally, whereas Liverpool lack depth out wide. Many names have popped up but two have caught fans’ eyes.
Watford’s Ismaïla Sarr signed from Rennes last summer for £27 million and registered six goals and six assists in a campaign that ultimately ended in relegation for his side. His debut season in the Premier League included an inspired performance against the champions in a 3-0 rout at Vicarage Road that ended Liverpool’s unbeaten record.
Despite Watford’s relegation, he’ll still command a large price but he could prove to be the perfect cover for Liverpool’s wide men.
An Ideal Summer?
For an ideal summer, Liverpool will need to add to Kostas Tsimikas, a centre-back, a midfielder and a versatile wide man. Liverpool can’t afford to finish this window empty-handed and need to make use of their pulling power while they can.
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