Liverpool's top five transfer targets this summer

Liverpool v Borussia Dortmund - UEFA Europa League Quarter Final: Second Leg
Jurgen Klopp

There has been a real sense of urgency with Liverpool in the transfer window this summer, with Jurgen Klopp keen the strengthen the squad in order to compete for the Premier League title.

Liverpool have faltered in recent years, floating around the fourth spot for the past couple of seasons - which might seem low for a team of their stature, yet it is a marked improvement from their 6th and 8th place finishes in the 2014-15 campaign and the 2015-16 campaign respectively.

There has been a myriad of gossip, rumours and speculation surrounding Liverpool and the stars they are trying to sign from around the world, but what is fact and what is fiction in all of this mess?

In this slideshow I'll share with you the top five targets Klopp is looking to sign before the transfer deadline, according to various reputable sources around Europe.


#5 Alisson

Chelsea FC v AS Roma - UEFA Champions League
Alisson has caught the attention of clubs like Chelsea, Real Madrid and Liverpool.

The Brazilian goalkeeper has been linked with both Real Madrid and Liverpool this summer, but reports in Italy have suggested that Liverpool are prepared to make an offer in the region of €60m to get their man.

The latest on the future of the goalkeeper has been commented on in the Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia), who have said that the Reds plan to make a €60m bid with €5m in bonuses within the next few days.

In terms of what the contract would look like, Gazetta dello Sport also mentioned that Liverpool were prepared to offer Alisson a five-year contract worth €6m per season. This is more than the amount the Brazilian had agreed in principle with Madrid.

However, the excitement has been dampened somewhat by Roma's asking price of €70m. They have grown increasingly impatient with the low-ball offers, and want an acceptable offer soon in order to find a replacement in time.

How might Alisson fit into the current Liverpool squad?

After Loris Karius' diabolical performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League final back in May, the German's reputation has hit rock-bottom with Liverpool's fans. Even recently, Karius made yet another error which handed Tranmere Rovers an easy goal in a pre-season friendly.

The other main 'keeper Liverpool have on their books is 30-year-old Simon Mignolet, but he is even further down the pecking order than Karius, having made his own fair share of mistakes in the past as well.

Alisson is a confident shot-stopper whose error-count is impressively low, so if the Reds were to capture him this summer, it would be a huge boost to their Premier League campaign.

Rumour probability: 5/10

Alisson is a hot prospect at Roma and so the club would naturally be inclined to hang onto him - hence the huge €70m price tag. And since Real Madrid are also competing for the 25-year-old's signature, the chances of the Merseyside club capturing their man this summer are slim, but still possible.


Visit our Liverpool Transfer News page for all the latest Liverpool transfer rumours, updates and confirmed Liverpool FC Transfers.

#4 Paulo Dybala

Juventus v AC Milan - Serie A
Paulo Dybala has been an integral part of Juventus' squad in recent years.

Following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus, the future of Paulo Dybala has been plunged into doubt with the former Real Madrid ace set for a starring role in Turin.

Liverpool can offer Dybala the platform and the spotlight that he needs in order to further his career and are set to offer €90m for the Argentine playmaker.

The Argentinian TV channel, TyC Sports, have claimed that the Reds have been in talks with Dybala's representatives. He is still in Argentina at the moment, following their round of 16 knockout from the World Cup, so it is very possible that his future is being discussed at length before he makes the trip back to Italy.

How might Paulo Dybala fit into the current Liverpool squad?

Dybala is a dynamic playmaker who slots into the attacking-midfielder role effortlessly. This is a position that Liverpool have been missing since the departure of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in January.

Klopp knows that in order to challenge for the title this season, he will need a player who can pull the strings on the offensive. The rest of the midfield is strong, so if Dybala was to make the move to Merseyside this summer, he would be in good company. Furthermore, the recent arrivals of Naby Keita from RB Leipzig and Fabinho from Monaco are both real statements of intent that might spark some interest from Dybala.

Rumour probability: 5/10

As previously stated, Paulo Dybala looks set to be marginalised now that Ronaldo has entered the fray in Turin, and it would make sense for the 24-year-old to seek game time elsewhere and perhaps take up a new challenge.

The Premier League would be an ideal destination for someone of his calibre. It is also a league with a lot of prestige: if a player can make it in the Prem, he can make it anywhere.

#3 Xherdan Shaqiri

Stoke City v Hull City - Premier League
Xherdan Shaqiri

The wing is yet another area that Liverpool must strengthen if they want any chance of finishing higher than fourth this season. Xherdan Shaqiri might be the ideal man.

Shaqiri was relegated with Stoke last season, but his individual performances were not overlooked by the top European clubs who have since begun to circle the 26-year-old like vultures now that his relegation release clause has been revealed.

If a club wishes to enter negotiations with Shaqiri, they must meet his release clause of around £13m - a bargain for a player of his quality. He had joined the Potters in 2015 from Inter Milan for just £12m.

How might Xherdan Shaqiri fit into the current Liverpool squad?

Shaqiri is a quick, agile forward who plays predominantly as a right winger. He's been known to score from many yards out, and can also whip in a free-kick occasionally - which is another thing Liverpool have lacked in recent years.

The only problem the 26-year-old might face is the fact he would be competing for the right wing spot with Mohammed Salah. Unless Klopp has plans to utilise either Shaqiri or Salah in a different type of attacking role, it could be a difficult situation for the Swiss international.

Rumour probability: 7.5/10

Xherdan Shaqiri had said back in June that he would be interested in a move away from the Potters, but preferably to a team in the Premier League. Liverpool fit the bill and would be able to meet his release clause with ease, as well as his salary.

#2 Domagoj Vida

Croatia v Nigeria: Group D - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Vida impressed for Croatia in this summer's World Cup.

Domagoj Vida currently plays for Turkish side Besiktas, having moved there on a free transfer from Dynamo Kiev in January. His performances in the World Cup thus far, which have helped Croatia reach the final, have hiked up his value to around £30m, as far as Besiktas are concerned.

Vida has partnered with Dejan Lovren at the back for Croatia this summer, and so if reports are indeed true, Lovren could be able to persuade his friend to make the switch to England before the window slams shut.

How might Domagoj Vida fit into the current Liverpool squad?

Domagoj Vida has proven his quality in the World Cup this summer by shepherding out the likes of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, and commanding the game from the back. It is no secret that Liverpool are still in search of a defender who will slot seamlessly into their back four and augment its foundation before the season begins, and Vida might be just the man to do that.

With Liverpool's attack as strong as it is, it makes sense for Klopp to focus on the defence for the upcoming campaign, as that's where they've appeared most vulnerable in the past.

Rumour probability: 8.5/10

Jurgen Klopp appears determined to get Vida, having tabled a second offer of around £18m for the Croatian after the first £16m bid was turned down a few days ago.

Although this is still an offer that is some way off from the figure Besiktas are after, the Turkish side might look to cash in on the 29-year-old before his value drops again.

#1 Nabil Fekir

Everton FC v Olympique Lyon - UEFA Europa League
The 24-year-old playmaker from France is being hunted down by Klopp.

According to the Mail Online, Nabil Fekir has "agreed with Lyon that they will reopen Liverpool talks over £53m transfer after the World Cup."

Nabil Fekir remains desperate for a move to the Premier League, and has his sights set on Liverpool. Fekir was almost a Liverpool player just a few weeks ago, even having chosen his kit number, but the deal fell through due to issues surrounding medical details. Liverpool want the terms to change before they restart negotiations.

How might Nabil Fekir fit into the current Liverpool squad?

Fekir is a playmaker in very much the same mould as Paulo Dybala - who is another Liverpool target. It seems that if Klopp is unable to get one, he will sign the other instead, as the attacking midfielder role is an area that needs to be bolstered sooner rather than later.

Fekir also has an eye for goal and could be key to breaking open defences in the upcoming campaign for the Reds.

Rumour probability: 9/10.

Nabil Fekir's transfer from Lyon to Liverpool was halted right on the brink last time, but surely this time, with all it needing is a slight push over the line, the deal will be done within the next week. Klopp is not one to waste time with transfer targets; if he wants someone, he won't stop until he has them. I feel it's the same situation here with Fekir.

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Edited by Ben Winfield