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It is that time of year again. Silly season is well and truly underway, with all the bizarre rumours flying in from everywhere. One of the clubs right in the thick of it is Liverpool. After winning the Champions League, they are now in pole position to sign whoever they want. Admittedly, the Reds do not have a lot to do in this window. Their core is among the strongest in the entire world and it will remain so for many years going forward.
Liverpool does need to make some additions to improve the overall quality of the squad. Depth was somewhat of minor concern in the previous season, which saw Manchester City's superior squad edge them in the Premier League title race. And with Daniel Sturridge and Alberto Moreno already out of the Anfield exit door, Jürgen Klopp will be in need of some fresh faces to improve his squad depth.
The Reds are set to play a minimum of around 50 games next season, including the Community Shield, Super Cup and Club World Cup games. This is an absolutely just cause for Liverpool to go into the market and get some valuable back-up. Klopp has, more often than not, got it right in terms of transfers. Another summer of good decisions could end up taking him and his Reds to the summit of English football.
Here are five players Liverpool could sign for the 2019-20 season.
#5 Nabil Fekir (Lyon)
Liverpool had pretty much sealed a move for Nabil Fekir last summer, but complications in his medical resulted in the deal falling through. One year on, and Lyon are offering their star man at a cut-price deal at around £30 million.
The Reds could be tempted to re-enter that same well. It would certainly improve their options in attacking midfield, but Liverpool might not want to risk having a player who previously failed his medical at the club, even at a cheaper deal.
Fekir would be an excellent option for Jürgen Klopp, but he already has a lot of midfielders at his disposal. Also, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is back from his long-term knee injury, making him feel like a new signing for the club.
Liverpool is in an excellent position and while there may be some tweaks needed, the midfield isn't necessarily a position which warrants even a slight change. We will likely see the 2018 World Cup winner move in the coming month or so, but Anfield isn't a likely destination.
#4 Alex McCarthy (Southampton)
Liverpool's goalkeeping problems were solved last summer when Alisson Becker joined the club from Roma. Loris Karius, in turn, shifted to Besiktas on loan. Simon Mignolet remained at Anfield, merely playing back-up to the vastly superior Brazilian.
The Belgian has been providing enthusiastic support throughout the season, despite having next to no game time throughout the entire season. Jürgen Klopp himself has mentioned that the Belgian is the best number two keeper in the entire Premier League.
With Mignolet possibly looking elsewhere for more game time, Liverpool will have to search for a new back-up for Alisson, while the likes of Caoimhim Kelleher and Kamil Grabara continue their progress. One keeper that Klopp could go after is Alex McCarthy from Southampton.
The Englishman lost his place as the Saints number one to Angus Gunn and would seem willing to move to Merseyside. After all, it has been a while since Liverpool went shopping in Southampton. McCarthy would be a solid replacement for Mignolet, providing cover for one of the best goalkeepers in the entire world.
#3 Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham)
Ryan Sessegnon is 19 years of age and his versatility would certainly be helpful to the Reds. He is a left-back who could essentially be a left winger. While his defending may ask more questions than give answers, Sessegnon's real strength falls in his offensive duties.
Liverpool could seriously do with some cover at both left-back and on the wing. The Fulham wonderkid seems like a great option for Jürgen Klopp's side.
Liverpool has made a habit of signing players from relegated sides, so Sessegnon would fit right in with the likes of Wijnaldum, Robertson and Shaqiri. His young age also gives him a lot of time to develop into the fully formed player that Klopp is so good at turning relatively average players into.
With the potential he has shown and the German's track record with young talent, Ryan Sessegnon would fit right in at Anfield. The only matter is the race to sign him against the likes of Tottenham, Crystal Palace and even Inter Milan.
#2 Junior Firpo (Real Betis)
Speaking of left-backs who could play on the wing, Junior Firpo is an intriguing option for Liverpool to pursue in the transfer market. He has impressed for Real Betis in the last couple of seasons, playing a semi-regular role for them.
Firpo has some pace to burn, a welcome attribute out wide for the Reds. The Dominican shone against the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid during this past season, looking like a real top level player.
Firpo would possibly be a better option than Sessegnon as back-up to Andy Robertson. He is surely an exciting prospect. However, his asking price is around £45 million. This might be a bit too much for a back-up player, but then again, Firpo would make Liverpool a stronger side and give Robertson a lot more breathers than he got last season.
He certainly has the style to fit right into Jürgen Klopp's plans. It will remain to be seen if the Reds are willing to spend this kind of money for someone who will not be a regular in the team.
#1 Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)
Liverpool's transfer window has been quiet so far and despite the rumblings of some big stars moving to Anfield, it doesn't seem the case. If the Reds do spend relatively big on one transfer this summer, it will likely be on a forward to replace Daniel Sturridge.
Timo Werner seems like the perfect option. He is still young and has all the attributes to be a top striker. After lots of speculation over his future, it looks like Werner will be leaving RB Leipzig. He should certainly be considered by Liverpool, as he would certainly add a layer of depth in the frontline.
Alongside Divock Origi, the German could cause rumblings and contend for a place in the starting line-up, even though it will be a mammoth task. Liverpool would certainly do very well to have a player of his quality as an option to bring off the bench in big games.
However, the development of Rhian Brewster has Jürgen Klopp's attention and it looks like the 19-year-old will get some big opportunities next season. This might put a wrench in any sort of deal for a forward during this transfer window. Werner, a relatively established name, would certainly give Klopp a readymade option.
One thing is for certain. Liverpool, in order to follow the incredible season they had, will need to have an abundance in talent to do as well as last season, if not better.
