5 players Liverpool could sign ahead of the 2023-24 Premier League Season
Liverpool had one of the best squads on paper ahead of the 2022-23 Premier League season but their performance in the last season was below par and left the fans around the world wanting better performances from the talented squad.
While head coach Jurgen Klopp’s infamous sixth-season syndrome prevailed again, as the club failed to secure a UEFA Champions League spot, it will now have to be content to participate in the UEFA Europa League.
Although it would be interesting to see how the German fares in the eighth season with a side for the first time in his managerial career, having already signed Alexis Mac Allister, here are the five more players he should target in the upcoming season of the English Premier League to stand a chance of resurgence for The Reds.
#5 Micky van de Ven
While Liverpool’s defense hardly has any issues, with Andy Robertson of Scotland being an unstable choice, Klopp should turn his eyes to van de Ven of the Netherlands. With the German looking to continue with his 3-2-2-3 formation, a new central defender will be on his list, and the 22-year-old could act as the perfect replacement for Robertson, mainly since the Scot cannot be a full-time choice for nearly 50 contests per season.
As for the Dutchman, he has already attracted some eyeballs with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg for being 6’ 4″ tall and a fast-paced runner, similar to Nathan Ake at City and Luke Shaw at Manchester United.
Besides being aggressive and perfect at playing the long balls, van de Ven would be perfectly happy to take the role of Robertson’s understudy as the youngster would get to learn a lot from the Scotsman.
#4 Khephren Thuram
Khephren Thuram could replace Jordan Henderson at Liverpool
Apart from Barella, Khepren Thuram is another central midfielder that Liverpool is eyeing to fill the void in the middle of the park. Provided Barella fails to arrive, the Reds would do everything possible to sign the 22-year-old lad from Nice, who would act as the perfect replacement for Henderson.
The Frenchman would bring some physicality to the midfield along with him. Although Klopp has moved away from the physicality and aggressive form of football of late, Thuram bringing it in could be the factor that the Reds might need to get back to being a dominant side.
Already a France international despite Les Blues having multiple gems in midfield speaks a lot about Thruam’s potential to grow into the No.8 role and his versatility to fill in the No.6 role would only be an added asset for Klopp.
#3 Ron-Robert Zieler
With Caoimhin Kelleher, the club should look to add more talent in the goalkeeping department and Zieler of Germany makes a good fit.
On the other hand, the Reds can groom Zieler as the backup shot-stopper before the 30-year-old Alisson calls it a day at Anfield. Also, Zieler is 34 years old and is a first-choice keeper for second-division Bundesliga side Hannover, making him a decent choice for Liverpool, where he can gel under Klopp.
Having played at all levels- U16, U17, U18, U19, and U20 for Germany along with six senior appearances for Die Manschaft but Zieler hasn’t featured for the national team since 2015 when the likes of Bernd Leno and Marc Andre ter Stegen took the places on the bench behind Manuel Neuer.
Nonetheless, he is a home-grown talent in the EPL, having had a stint with The Reds’ arch-rival Manchester United and knows what it takes to thrive here, while Klopp is well aware of his mastery.
#2 Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka might fancy his title chances at Liverpool
As for the forward line-up, Liverpool already possesses the likes of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, Luis Díaz, and Darwin Núñez, and hardly needs any reinforcement. However, the addition of a backup striker could always be beneficial for the club. While it has been linked to a few, the name of Saka could fancy all.
The 21-year-old Arsenal lad had a great last season in London, finishing as the side’s joint-highest goal-scorer of the season. However, given the lack of titles, he could fancy a move to Anfield, where he would be a greater hit under Klopp than Mikel Arteta.
Former England goalkeeper David James was also of the same notion, given that the Englishman is one of the best young strikers in Europe, the Gunners would do everything to keep him, while it could cost The Reds a whopping amount of £97 million to have his services.
#1 Nicolo Barella
While Liverpool was packed with one of the best midfield line-ups in Europe, consistent injuries derailed its plans for the season, leading to its severe downfall. As Klopp aims to revamp his midfield, it could start with central midfielder Barella of Italy.
With Thiago Alcântara expected to leave after his contract expires next summer and Jordan Henderson turning 33, the 26-year-old Italian will bring both experience and youth into The Reds’ midfield line-up.
The German manager was also all-praise for Barella, saying,
“He has all the things you want from a midfield player; he is aggressive, is technical, he can run for ages… a top-class player.”
While the Italian is expected to cost around £80 million from European runner-up Inter Milan, he would be a worthy signing at Anfield to don the No.8 shirt.