Liverpool turned a new chapter in their illustrious history when they appointed Jurgen Klopp as their new manager in late 2015. Whilst reaching the Europa league final, the German’s impact on the Premier League has been less than ideal to put it kindly.
Despite not being anywhere near the top 4, Liverpool have a chance at making it to the Champions League next season by winning the final of the Europa League against Sevilla.
Regardless of the result of that game, one has to admit that the German has done a fine job with the Reds and will only improve in the future. For that to happen, however, he needs to make some important deals in the summer window and fill up the cracks.
And here are 5 players that he could target.
#1 Eric Bailly
First and foremost, Liverpool are in need of a quality center-back. They might have a number of them, but none of them can be labelled as world class. It is no wonder, then, that the club has conceded 49 goals in the league this season – something they have to improve if they aspire to finish higher.
Villarreal’s Eric Bailly might not be world class just yet, but he has all the components needed to become one. The 22-year old has been fantastic for the Yellow Submarines and the big clubs of Europe are already circling around him.
He is one of the reasons why Villarreal have the third best defensive record in the league – and Liverpool could look into him if they want a potentially world class defender.
#2 Sead Kolasinac
Alberto Moreno is a fine attacking left-back, but the jury about his defensive abilities is still out. There are times when the Spaniard plays like the best left-back in the league, but there also other times when Liverpool fans feel like they have a Sunday League player playing at left-back for them.
Hence, if Liverpool are to challenge for glory on a consistent basis, they need a more assured left-back who can also provide stiff competition to the ex-Seville man – making both of them better players in the process.
And the left-back they have been linked to is Sead Kolasinac. The 22-year-old Schalke left-back is another youngster who has the potential to be a world-class full-back in the future. He is already better than Moreno as a defender and would certainly add flexibility, which will give Klopp more option to tinker with.
#3 Michy Batshuayi
This is getting a little creepy as Michy Batshuayi completes the hat trick of 22-year-old players on this list. Jokes aside, Liverpool need a striker. While Daniel Sturridge is a fine striker, his proneness to injury means that he can’t be relied upon for the whole campaign.
Hence, signing a striker who can consistently bang in goals is an absolute must for the Reds. And Michy Batshuayi provides just that.
There are many other strikers out there who are in good touch and could have been considered. So what makes him stand out among them? The Belgian is a complete package – someone who is tall, fast, good with the ball and great at linking his team-mates to play.
This is the reason why he is so highly rated. The last time Jurgen Klopp had a striker like that at his disposal, he won the Bundesliga with Dortmund and only lost out to Bayern in the final of the Champions League. Batshuayi could just be his new Robert Lewandowski.
#4 Timo Horn
Simon Mignolet’s case is a curious one. When he was signed, the Belgian was rated among the most talented goalkeepers in the world. Three years down the line, he is one of those players that the Kop army doesn’t put as much trust as one should on a goalkeeper.
That’s why, if reports are to be believed, Jurgen Klopp is on the lookout for a goalkeeper and Timo Horn is the name being thrown around by the media.
The 23-year old has been the best shot-stopper in the Bundesliga this season, with Manuel Neuer having an under par season. Horn has openly discussed a move to Liverpool, saying that he would be interested in joining.
Liverpool fans can only hope, but what is certain is that he is a much better guardian of the goal than Simon Mignolet.
#5 Mario Gotze
- The ultimate signing, that the Red army is craving, would be Mario Gotze’s. The German was one of the best players in the world during his terrific stint at Dortmund, but has been a shadow of his former self since joining Bayern Munich.
- Chances have been hard to come by and a move away from the Bavarians is being touted for a while now.
Mario Gotze would certainly plug in the whole – and perhaps even better it – that was left open by the departure of Raheem Sterling. His uncanny ability to open opponents up is what Liverpool desperately need as the only player who can do that in the current squad is Phillippe Coutinho – and he can’t always be at his best.
