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Liverpool have endured a disappointing campaign in the Premier League so far this season. They have floundered in their title defence, as they've struggled at both ends of the pitch.
However, Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and their pedigree in the game makes them an ideal destination for any player.
Five players Liverpool could target this summer
The Merseyside outfit rarely dives into the transfer market to splash the cash on multiple superstar signings, as they have developed a habit of relying on squad building. However, due to several inconsistent performances and injuries to key players, they are expected to go all out for signings this summer.
Jurgen Klopp will aim to bolster his squad once the summer window opens and compete for the big titles again. Moreover, with several players expected to exit Liverpool in the summer, including the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum and Divock Origi, a few reinforcements are expected to be brought in.
On that note, let's take a look at five players who could end up at Liverpool in the summer.
#5 David Alaba
David Alaba has confirmed that he is ending his glittering 12-year stay at Bayern Munich once his contract expires in the summer.
His experience and defensive prowess has made him a highly-sought-after player, with the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United looking to snap him up for free.
The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez have been out with significant injuries, forcing Liverpool to make use of makeshift defenders for large swathes of the season.
Of course, that has had its toll on Liverpool’s defensive performances, as they have shipped 36 league goals already, three more than they conceded in the entire 2019-20 campaign.
David Alaba could be the ideal defensive reinforcement Liverpool sorely needs, as his versatility would allow him to be deployed as a left-back or a central defender. At just 28 years of age, David Alaba has garnered a vast wealth of experience and would undoubtedly improve the Liverpool defensive ranks.
#4 Declan Rice
West Ham United star Declan Rice has been heavily linked with a return to Chelsea, where he began his playing career.
Unable to make it into the senior set-up with the Blues, the England international signed for the Hammers and has established himself as one of the finest young midfielders in the Premier League.
His adept reading of the game, alongside his superb passing range and ball-winning prowess, make him an ideal midfielder for any club. With Georginio Wijnaldum almost certain to exit Liverpool in the summer, Declan Rice could be the perfect replacement for the Netherlands international.
Liverpool’s defensive crisis this season has seen several key midfielders play in central defence. Fabinho and club captain Jordan Henderson paired at the heart of defence for a huge part of the season before they themselves got injured.
That left Liverpool with only Wijnaldum as the only specialist midfielder who performed consistently at the centre of the park. Thiago Alcantara, who was signed from Bayern Munich last season, has failed to hit the ground running at Liverpool.
To acquire the services of Declan Rice, Liverpool will have to meet West Ham’s hefty £80m valuation of the player, though.
Declan Rice’s versatility could make him an excellent option for Liverpool, as he can comfortably play in both central defence or midfield. The 22-year-old began his career playing at the center of a back four before moving up the pitch into midfield.
#3 Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos is the second defender on this list whom Liverpool could look to acquire, as they have endured a rough season at the defensive end of the pitch.
The Real Madrid man could arguably be the most experienced defender in the market once the summer transfer window opens. The Spanish veteran has been heavily linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu, as he is yet to extend his contract with Real Madrid.
His current deal expires in the summer. With his contract extension talks hitting a stalemate, Sergio Ramos could bring an end to his glittering trophy-laden 16-season stint with Real Madrid.
Despite turning 35 in March, Sergio Ramos is still regarded as one of the best defenders in world football. Snapping up Ramos for free would be an excellent piece of business for Liverpool, as they would add a proven world-class defender to their defensive ranks.
#2 Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe has proved himself as one of the best players of his generation since bursting onto the scene at AS Monaco.
The pacy striker became the hottest name in the transfer market after inspiring Monaco to the Ligue 1 title in 2017. Weeks later, he completed a sensational €180m switch to Paris Saint-Germain, where he has won a plethora of titles.
However, Mbappe’s contract expires in the summer of 2022. With no concrete contract renewal talks on the horizon, he could be on the move this summer.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Mbappe ever since he heaped praise on both the club and their manager after the English club's successful campaign last season. Mbappe had said:
“This season, Liverpool have been a machine in the Premier League. They have made winning look easy but the truth is that it is never easy. Performances like they have been having don’t just happen. To be as ruthless as they have been would come from lots of hard work in training and from having a very good manager".
Liverpool have endured a torrid campaign at both ends of the pitch this season, especially struggling to dominate in front of goal.
Kylian Mbappe has scored over 150 goals during his short career and is a serial winner, winning every trophy available except the UEFA Champions League.
Considering Mbappe’s admiration for Liverpool, their high-intensity game-play and their willingness to reinforce their squad ahead of the new season, Kylian Mbappe could don the famous Red jersey in the summer.
However, for that to happen, Liverpool will have to break the bank, as the Frenchman is one of the most valuable players in the world.
#1 Erling Haaland
Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland is currently the most in-demand player in world football. The Norwegian international is widely touted as the latest generational talent, prompting comparisons with football greats like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite just moving to Dortmund last January, the 20-year-old striker has already bagged over 50 goals for the Bundesliga outfit. He has attracted serious interest from countless clubs across Europe, who are looking to snap up arguably the deadliest frontman in the game at the moment.
Liverpool are one of many clubs looking to sign the Norwegian sensation, which has a €60m release clause with Borussia Dortmund.
Roberto Firmino has grossly underperformed this season, scoring six goals in over 25 league games. And with Mohamed Salah linked with a summer exit, Erling Haaland could fit right into the Liverpool attack.
