For obvious and tragic reasons – and one that doesn’t need elaborating on, Liverpool are one short out wide for next season. It has made keeping hold of Bayern Munich-linked Luis Diaz an even bigger priority.
It is hardly a secret that the club is also looking at a central striker, with Darwin Nunez seemingly heading out of the door, once the club agrees a price with Napoli – who it looks like are favourites to sign him, though, they will still be light in attack.
Finding someone of Diogo Jota’s calibre and also amazing temperament will be hard and probably an unenviable task, though it is needed. He always delivered, never complained about his status as a ‘squad player’, gave everything for the team and played with a smile on his face.
That said though, there may well be a few options that the recruitment team may have in mind and with that, we’ve explored some possibilities below.
Players That Could Fulfil The Squad Player Role
One that could well come in and do a job is AC Milan’s Noah Okafor, who is versatile in the front four and the Switzerland international has shades of compatriot and former Red player Xherdan Shaqiri about him.
He would make an ideal rotation option, while still being able to challenge for a starting spot and there could be some value there – unlikely to cost any more than £20 million. He is on the periphery of the AC Milan first team and may relish a fresh challenge in a highly talented squad. Loaned out to Napoli last season, he is a title winner with Champions League experience as well.
Fast and tricky, he fits the profile of a Liverpool wide player – he’s not a natural goal-scorer – more of a facilitator though may well be worth a gamble and at 25 has his best years ahead of him.
Another interesting option could be Algeria international, Amine Gouiri, who since his move to Marseille from Rennes last summer has really kicked on. Still only 24, he is a technically elegant left-footed player, capable of playing across the front four, is great in the build-up and can be a secret weapon from free-kicks. He probably wouldn’t cost more than £25 million and would be a great addition to the squad.
If the club wanted to go younger and further down the development route, there is Sporting Lisbon’s highly sought-after exciting talent, Geovany Quenda who had a breakthrough season last campaign. He has also seen his stock rise in the Under-21 European Championship with Portugal where he scored three goals and claimed two assists in four matches.
However, he is unlikely to come cheap, with the Portuguese club often demanding a lot for players – especially younger talents. While he is still raw, he is a player that could make an impact for the Reds, though manager Arne Slot and the recruitment team may feel he is too much of a risk for the likely price.
Options Are Certainly There
Certainly, there is a market for the profile of players the club are likely to be looking for, though all factors will need to be considered. Mohamed Salah will undoubtedly be key again this season, though at 32, is unlikely to play every game.
Bringing in someone who can jump in when the Egyptian is rested, but who is still able to do a job will be considered as important – something that Jota could do seamlessly, without complaint and still had a huge impact on games.
We could well even see the club look to English top-flight options, who know the Premier League and wouldn’t need to adjust too much. Should Liverpool make no progress in their pursuit of centre-back Marc Guehi, then another Crystal Palace player might be of interest, in exciting talent, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi who lit up the Championship on loan at Sheffiled United last term.
Still only 22, he does have Premier League experience, though the Eagles may ask north of £20 million. Could be an interesting gamble.
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