If speculation is anything to go by, it is that Jurgen Klopp is on the hunt for new recruits.
This season hasn’t lived up to the expectations that so many Reds fans had for it, and they will end the season without a trophy.
It also appears that the top four and a place in next season’s Champions League will prove beyond them.
The departure of Roberto Firmino leaves a big gap up front, and although Cody Gakpo was earmarked as the man to replace him, surely other options will be considered.
So, far I have explored The Defenders and The Midfielders Liverpool could sign this summer.
But now it’s time to investigate The Strikers department.
Lautaro Martinez – Inter Milan
Now this would be EXPLOSIVE if Liverpool could secure this deal.
The Argentine has become well established in Serie A as a clinical goal poacher and is a top talent.
He has struggled for games internationally simply due to the prowess of Lionel Messi and the sheer strength in depth the new world champions have at their disposal.
But nonetheless, he is one of the world’s best strikers and boss Klopp has observed him in action against his time numerous times in the Champions League.
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Martinez would be a marquee signing and could cost around £80 million, so he won’t come cheap.
It would however delight the supporters who have often been upset at the lack of investment from the Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and owner John W Henry.
Verdict:
This would be a MEGA DEAL if it goes through and one that most top Premier League clubs could easily sanction.
But this is Liverpool we’re talking about and if they don’t see value for money or they are being priced out, it is unlikely, which unfortunately might be the case.
Victor Osimhen – Napoli
The Nigerian is the form man of Europe right now.
25 league goals has seen the Italian outfit storm to the top of Serie A as they chase their first title since 1990.
Of course, it’s always a team effort, but Osimhen has played a crucial part in their success.
They are also sitting pretty in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, with a match against Italian rivals AC Milan to come.
Liverpool were interested in the player when he was at Lille, before Napoli struck a deal.
Now if news reports are anything to go by, it is that Paris St Germain (PSG) aim to lure him back to Ligue 1.
Although, Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked with him and certainly have the resources.
Playing in the Premier League might well be his dream.
But can Klopp’s team afford to potentially fork out £125 million on Jude Bellingham, and £100 million on Osimhen, who has been tipped by experts to be as good as Erling Haaland.
Verdict:
This will be tough but he would be SOME player if Liverpool were able to persuade him to join in the near future, and he would be a worthy investment at just 24 years old.
Dušan Vlahović – Juventus
The Serbian is a little bit different to what Liverpool have at the moment, and what they would normally go for.
But that’s not a bad thing.
If anything, he would bring something new to the table, often when pundits have called Liverpool’s front three ‘predictable’.
Tactically, Vlahović could be EXACTLY what Klopp needs to turn games around and unsettle the opposition, including teams that Liverpool have struggled against this season, and really should be beating, on paper.
He made the move from Fiorentina to Juventus, but the Old Lady has struggled of late and his dream move has been less than dreamy.
Juve could be looking to sell to bring in some much-needed cash, so the move does make sense financially.
A fee of around £40 million could secure his services, although Arsenal could be potential suitors, and if the London side win the Premier League, AND finish in the Champions League, that could make them favourites.
Verdict:
Unlikely, but a cheaper alternative to others on the list and he has consistently scored goals in Serie A. The question is whether he can translate that form to the Premier League.
Marcus Thuram – Borussia Mönchengladbach
This is a really interesting one to be honest.
The son of 1998 France World Cup winner Lillian Thuram, is seen as a top young talent in world football.
Currently plying his trade in the Bundesliga, the 25-year-old Frenchman may relish a new challenge and that of coming to Liverpool.
He is versatile in his ability to play winger or up front, which makes him a useful asset.
It is only a matter of time that a big club will eventually come in for him.
And on the international stage, with Karim Benzema and Oliver Giroud ageing, Thuram might be seen as the ideal strike partner for Kylian Mbappe.
Verdict:
There haven’t been any reports of any Liverpool interest, but it’s clear he does have potential, and is certainly one to look out for in the future.
Jonathan David – Lille
The Canadian has fired in an impressive 19 goals in 28 matches.
His stock continues to rise and he is exactly the type of player Klopp likes.
Someone who just gets their head down and works hard for the team.
This would be a really good investment for Liverpool if they could pull this off.
And also, he would quickly become popular with the supporters through his goals and work ethic.
Verdict:
There hasn’t been any concrete interest in the player, but I do like the potential of this and hopefully it can happen.
Youssoufa Moukoko – Borussia Dortmund
The final name on our little list, and the youngest, Moukoko at 18 could one day take the football world by storm.
His tenacity and work rate is off the charts.
But he is the Bundesliga giants’ talent to lose, and the youngest ever goalscorer in the German league.
And as we know, they often harvest talent such as Robert Lewandowski, Jadon Sancho and of course Haaland, before selling at a higher price.
He has often connected superbly with Jude Bellingham, and that kind of connection would well be worth bringing to Anfield, if Klopp can secure the services of both from his former employers.
Verdict:
This would be a fantastic signing and one I’d love to see one day, but he is just getting started at Dortmund, and Klopp is often a gentlemen to his former team and hasn’t raided them for players during his LFC tenure.
Definitely one for the future though.
