The summer transfer window always comes with intense speculation, particularly when it involves one of the giants of English football.
And this year is no exception.
But something feels different.
The fact that Liverpool have struggled a lot more this season, and will finish without a trophy, has seen fans and pundits call for a raft of new signings.
And I’m beginning a three-part series of articles on Defenders, Midfielders and Strikers, to see just WHO the club can bring in to improve their fortunes on the pitch.
Let’s go straight in shall we.
Gonzalo Montiel – Sevilla
The right-back is having a phenomenal season.
He is now known as the World Cup winning right-back that helped win Argentina their third World Cup, just before Christmas in Qatar.
The Sevilla man also netted the winning penalty against France.
His stock has risen, as has his calibre as one of the best defenders in world football.
It is therefore just a matter of time before one of the big teams snap him up this summer.
The key question is, will Liverpool have a key interest in the player?
Probably not, but at times this season Trent Alexander-Arnold’s form has dipped and he has looked lethargic and lacking in energy.
He has been the Reds’ ever present right-back, with perhaps just the versatile James Milner dropping back to cover for the Scouser on occasions.
When what the club could do with is two out and out right backs to provide competition for each other.
In this way, both can alternate and the other can be rested.
With the fixture demands, this could be a masterstroke signing if Liverpool could pull it off.
Market Value: £35 Million
Joško Gvardiol – RB Leipzig
Perhaps the last elite defender in world football that is still available and in hot demand.
The Croatia defender had a mesmerising World Cup, and like Montiel, he has shot to prominence on the international stage.
There are rumours that Liverpool are interested in him, but so too are Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
He is also a Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris St Germain (PSG) type of player, and whichever team gets him, will be getting a top-quality defender.
But can Liverpool actually afford him?
That’s another question entirely.
Although, the club has a fantastic relationship with Leipzig, having bought both Naby Keïta and Ibrahima Konaté from the Bundesliga outfit in the past.
If a similar, carefully constructed financial package could be offered to lure Gvardiol to Anfield, this could be one of the signings of the summer.
A lot rests on whether they can offer the Croatian Champions League football next season, but watch this space!
Market Value: £55 million
Milan Škriniar – Inter Milan
The Slovakian hardman is the type of defender Liverpool haven’t had since his countryman Martin Škrtel.
Interestingly, although with their 10-year age gap, they did form a mighty defensive partnership together.
Škriniar could be the vital rock alongside Virgil van Dijk in the Reds defence, and provide stern competition to Konaté and Joel Matip.
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Although, he has been a loyal servant at Inter for years, and has formed a solid connection with Dutchman Stefan de Vrij, another player who once interested the Anfield side.
There are rumours that PSG have made a deal with Inter, but this is unconfirmed.
So, can Škriniar be tempted by the lure of the Premier League and playing under Klopp?
Bid and they will find out.
Market Value: £40 million
Alessandro Bastoni – Inter Milan
The Italian defender is said to be one of the top young talents in world football.
At just 23 years-old, it’s clear that he can still improve, and he is also in the exact age range that Liverpool like to sign.
You only have to look at Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo to see the evidence of this.
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Bastoni is also Škriniar’s partner in crime, or a worthy replacement for him in case the Slovakian departs.
This would be a wise investment from the Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and owner John W Henry if they are willing to back Klopp and sanction the deal.
Liverpool have not had many Italian players over the last 20 years, so Bastoni would add something fresh to the changing room.
Market Value: £30 million
Kim Min-jae – Napoli
Arguably, the form defender in Europe right now, Min-jae has been sensational in Napoli’s rise to the top of Serie A this season.
Having only left Fenerbahçe last year for as little as £15 million to replace the colossal Kalidou Koulibaly, his value has clearly soared.
The South Korean has been some gem that the Naples scouting department did so well to even find.
Now it can be Liverpool’s gain.
Out of all the names touted so far, this is one that has the potential to follow through.
If the club offloads Joe Gomez and Nat Philipps to ease the wage bill, there is no reason why they cannot go for Min-jae and improve, what has been at times this season, a porous defence, particularly on the road.
This is a signing I would personally love to see.
Market Value: £35 million
Matthias Ginter – SC Freiburg
If Liverpool’s transfer pouch is looking empty, due to the impending investment of a raft load of midfielders, then Ginter could be a sound option.
Cheap and cheerful!
There was talk that Liverpool were interested in him in the past, and Klopp could use his German connections to get him through the door.
Interestingly, the club hasn’t really gone German in the past, with just the famous once household name of Didi Hamann donning the famous jersey.
Ginter only joined Freiburg last year from Borussia Mönchengladbach, in a surprise signing, after the Bundesliga big boys of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund were said to be circling.
However, a move never materialised.
This is more a wildcard on the list, but the German is highly rated there and would have no problem in adapting to the demands of the Premier League.
Market Value: £10 million
Final Thoughts
How awesome would it be if Liverpool brought in any one of these.
Gvardiol would be the statement marquee signing.
But they face stiff competition to land his signature.
The smart money would be on Min-jae, because at 26, he can still improve as he approaches his prime, and has plenty of years left in the tank.
I’d be interested to see who the club plumps for.
