Liverpool will go into the new season with renewed vigour to prove themselves as the players and the manager must be gutted after a disappointing loss in the Europa final. Jurgen Klopp has changed the mood around the club totally, the fans are optimistic even with no European competition to look forward to and the players have taken well to the German’s rigourous tactics.
Klopp’s mastery in transfers is revered by one and all and this transfer window too- three players have been already signed as per the areas which needed immediate strengthening. Loris Karius was a much needed buy and so do Joel Matip. Marko Grujic is a young midfielder with huge potential and is set for a role in the first team squad come this summer. All these players were signed for less than £10 million which is commendable in the modern football.
One name that has been in the rumours regarding a move to Anfield was Udinese’s 22 year old Piotr Zielinski. The Serbian is speculated to be suggested by Klopp’s right hand man, Selko Buvac. But it seems the move has fallen off as both the parties could not agree on a fee which was reported around £10 million which Liverpool thought was high for a player who has yet to prove much. Also, the sale of Jerome Sinclair to Watford has complicated the deal as both Udinese and Watford are owned by the Pozzo family.
There were always doubt about signing a player whose attributes similar to an existing player in the squad, Joe Allen, who has played like a man with a purpose under Klopp. It is now expected that the deal is off for once and all and the reds will look for other similar players who can complement the squad well. Let’s take a look at the alternatives that Liverpool could sign in the center of the park:
1. Mahmoud Dahoud:
The Monchengladbach midfielder has garnered attention from all over Europe with some breathtaking displays at such a young age. Dahoud had made 32 appearances this campaign with 5 goals and 9 assists to his name. The Syrian born Dahoud has represented Germany in all age groups and such is his progress that he will be in the national team in a year. The 20 year old controls the game like no other of his age and his in-game maturity is there for all to see.
Jurgen Klopp is supposedly a fan of him and if the Reds sign him, which will come at a hefty price, Liverpool will have a center midfielder which can become the best in the world in his position in the next 5 years.
2. Reece Oxford:
The 17 year old impressed when he made his league debut against Arsenal for the Hammers and was the best player on the pitch. He lost possession just once in that game and since then, a host of clubs like Man United and Chelsea are eyeing the defensive midfielder. With just Lucas Leiva, the proper defensive midfielder present in the reds squad, Oxford can progress well under Klopp and can make the first team in just one year. This deal makes sense as it won’t be too costly and the player will also be willing to play at Anfield.
3. Julian Weigl:
The 20 year old Borussia Dortmund midfielder has made his place in the team after some impressive performances in his two years at the club. Weigl can play in a two man midfield and also in a pivot well which shows his prowess. If a right offer is made, Liverpool can services of the talented 20 year old who has a real bright future ahead of him.
