One position that has troubled Liverpool a lot this season is the left-back position. Alberto Moreno is good at making those attacking runs but lacks the defensive abilities to hold-off wingers and attackers. The new signing Joe Gomez was also sidelined for the majority of the season due to an injury. Flanagan was recovering from a prolonged injury and was not available for the entire first half. At times, Liverpool had to rely on James Milner for the full-back duties. Jurgen Klopp is well aware of this fact and his focus is certainly on getting new talents for the full-back position especially on the left side.
Who is Nathan Ake?
Nathan Ake moved to Chelsea from Feyernood in 2011 at the tender age of 15. He was away at Reading on a loan spell for the last season and currently is at Watford. Under manager Quique Sanchez Flores, Ake has managed to showcase some fantastic performances and is preferred in the first team for most of the games. Chelsea are most likely to expect Antonio Conte as their new manager for the next season. A return to the London club looks unlikely for Ake as he might not be giving first team chances under the new manager.
Why Liverpool?
Liverpool and West Ham have shown keen interest in the Dutchman and Chelsea have given him a tag of £10m for the summer. Jurgen Klopp is on the move to strengthen his side defensively and Ake might just be the perfect rotating left-back player alongside the likes of Gomez and Flanagan. Liverpool will be running tight on budgets and instead of spending a hefty amount; it makes more sense to shell out a smaller amount on a player like Ake to strengthen the squad with defensive options. Ake is also known to play as a center back and if needed also as a defensive midfielder. Liverpool are in dire need of a utility full-back. With the future of Alberto Moreno looking uncertain, Jurgen Klopp might just give this move a serious thought and approach Chelsea with an offer.
The Alternative
If we look at the flipside of this, Klopp might also look for a high priced world class option for the full-back position. The chances of this happening are less but nevertheless this is a possibility. One thing is for sure; this summer window will bring in a lot of changes at Liverpool.
