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Transfers haven’t been the same for the last year, have they? There was a time when every club in the Premier League was spending large sums of money to attract new talent to renew their squad.
The Covid-19 pandemic made big money deals very difficult to strike, and it certainly hit Liverpool. Although they brought in Thiago Alcântara, Diogo Jota and Kostas Tsimikas last summer, the net spending of those three players was around £ 10 million, due to the structuring of the payment of the deals and the departure of Dejan Lovren.
Fans are yet to return in full force, and are unlikely to do so until next season at the earliest. As a result, clubs may have to be even more crafty with their transfer transactions to strengthen their squads.
Liverpool will have to be smarter. His financial situation is uncertain anyway, but add in the fact that the upcoming Champions League season is unlikely given the performances at the national level. The value of being in the elite European competition cannot be underestimated, both in terms of money and the ability to attract the best players.
However, Jürgen Klopp has stated that he only wants players who are committed to the cause, who want to help the club regardless of whether or not they compete in the Champions League. So I would hope it wasn’t a factor.
Regardless, there are still financial challenges that await Liverpool, and they could do much worse than exploring the free agent market. There are many talented players out of contract this summer, including his own Gini Wijnaldum.
Could any of these be of interest to Liverpool? Let’s take a look at a few and decide if Klopp should try to bring them to Anfield or not.
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Gianluigi Donnarumma
Liverpool already have one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Alisson Becker’s club, do they really need another? Yes, it would be nice to have additional quality there, especially when the Brazilian has missed several games through injury in the last two seasons, but just because Donnarumma is a free agent doesn’t mean his arrival would cost nothing.
You have to take into account the factor of his salary, which considering that he is one of the brightest talents in world football would not be cheap. Liverpool would do well to put their salary budget to more effective use in providing coverage to other more essential areas of the team.
Verdict: No
David Alaba
Don’t think we have to spend too much time thinking about this one. Alaba is another world-class player who would likely make the starting lineup of any team in Europe.
Would you join the Liverpool team next season? Without a doubt, there is no doubt. Plus, it adds the fact that he’s versatile and can play multiple positions, which Klopp likes, makes it a no-brainer if finances can be fixed.
Verdict: yes
Memphis Depay
There may be some who are not so keen on a former Manchester United player moving to Anfield. But there’s no denying what a good player Depay has been since moving to Lyon.
Once again another versatile player who can operate in various roles in the attacking third and has a proven track record in the Champions League as well as Ligue 1. Salaries are likely to be a hurdle, but if that means adding another forward option for the team, so it’s one Liverpool should at least consider.
Verdict:Yes
Sergio Omen
A part of me will always love to see Agüero in the Liverpool jersey. His record against them, in Manchester anyway, is very good, but there is still the question of whether he still has the form to continue performing at the highest level.
Salaries are an obvious call for concern, but in the past 12 months the forward hasn’t played as much soccer as he would have liked. As good as it is to see him in a Liverpool jersey, this is a very difficult ‘no’.
Verdict: No
Elseid hysaj
There is not much talk in terms of areas that need to be strengthened, but Liverpool would do well to look at the right-back area. The drop in quality when Trent Alexander-Arnold is not on the wing is too significant to ignore, and the Napoli winger could be a solution to that problem.
He is 27 years old, has a wealth of senior level experience and is available with a free transfer to help close a gap in the Liverpool team. It’s another no-brainer if finances can be fixed, but it remains to be seen if it would fit into Liverpool’s budget.
Still, if the finances of a deal can be negotiated and fit within Liverpool’s media, Hysaj should be a player seriously considering moving to Anfield.
Verdict: yes
Florian Thauvin
This is another tough one because Liverpool have one of the best right wingers in the world in Mohamed Salah, but there isn’t much behind him in terms of quality that is anywhere near the same level. Thauvin is a solid player in that role, and again he has the added advantage of being an experienced player at the highest level.
However, for that reason, it’s possible Liverpool will make a move for the 28-year-old. They have Harvey Elliott coming back from a loan for the summer, and hiring another senior player in that position may halt his progress if he wants to stay at Anfield. Add in the finances and salaries required to essentially sign a backup that is a similar age, it wouldn’t make a lot of sense.
Verdict: No
Romain Saïss
The versatile Wolves defender was briefly linked in January, and I personally think he would have been a solid addition. Saïss has been in the Premier League for a few years and has the ability to play both midfield and central when necessary.
Given that Liverpool will likely need at least one, maybe two, new central defenders in the summer, exploring the free-agent market could be a wise move. Saïss appears to have the option of one more year on his current contract at Molineux, but if Liverpool expresses interest then he may be tempted to make the switch in Merseyside rather than stay in the West Midlands.
Verdict: yes
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