Signing new targets will be more difficult for the Reds now with no European competitions to look forward to, but Jurgen Klopp’s charisma can work in their way. The arrival of Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola has made the league tougher than ever and the Reds does not need to spend big but to spend wisely to counter their rivals.
The main positions that needed the urgent upgrade were the goalkeeper and the left back positions and the keeping situation looks sorted now with the arrival of Loris Karius from Bundesliga side Mainz who looks a world class acquisition at the age of 22. The left back situation was not meant to be a problem for the reds but even after two seasons, Alberto Moreno has not improved on his mistakes and his crucial faults cost them the Europa League trophy.
FC Koln’s left back Jonas Hector was said to be the prime target for the reds as Jurgen Klopp was rumored to be a fan of the 25 year old and Hector, who has Bundesliga experience of just two seasons has impressed so much that he will represent Germany in the Euros now. But it is now being speculated that Hector has offers from other clubs too, so the club has to be ready for any situation. So let’s take a look the three alternatives for Jonas Hector, who can provide competition for the left back spot:
1. Ben Chilwell:
The 19 year old has garnered attention from all over the league since his successful loan stint at Huddersfield Town. He has come up from the Leicester’s academy and has been a target for Arsenal and Liverpool for a long time now. Chilwell will not cost much and his style of play suits Klopp philosophy and can develop well under the German. If this deal goes through, Liverpool will have a real gem on their ranks.
2. Kieran Gibbs:
The lifelong Arsenal player, Gibbs at 26 years of age has a lot of Premier League experience being him. Injuries have halted his career, but he is a fine player who can provide real competition to the Spaniard. Gibbs is looking to leave Arsenal, and is available for a fee in the range of £12 million. He can finally attain his potential at Anfield and is a realistic target for the reds in the summer.
3. Aaron Cresswell:
The Hammers left back has been one of their best players this season and it will take a lot of money to lure the 26 year old away from them. Cresswell can be the remedy for Liverpool’s problems on the left wing and his crosses at times were exquisite this season. He can contribute offensively as much as Moreno and is defensively more sound than than the Spaniard.
