Two Transfer Deadline Signings Liverpool Must Complete Before Being Labeled As ‘Transfer Losers’
Liverpool not only suffered shameful defeats against Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion, they are set to end up as the losers of this winter transfer window considering the business being done by the rest of the European aspirers. The deadline day is hours away and Jurgen Klopp has already reiterated his intention of buying no one despite letting star Brazilian Philippe Coutinho leave for Barcelona. Although they paid Southampton £75m to acquire long-term transfer target Virgil Van Dijk, the £142m ‘Coutinho money’ has not been spent to find a suitable replacement or strengthen other slots of the squad.
Klopp was quoted as saying,
“It’s not about replacing anybody. It’s about using our own opportunities, tools, players, tactics, all that stuff.”
This has left the fans fuming. Klopp’s lack of transfer activity and maintaining an abysmal net spend despite management’s promise of ‘largest transfer kitty’ back in the summer is worrying. Moreover, he has let Daniel Sturridge join West Bromwich Albion on a loan that would leave him badly exposed if Roberto Firmino gets injured. The only available options will be rookie Dominic Solanke and Danny Ings who have played only a few minutes of first-team football over past 2.5 years due to significant injury nightmares.
Also, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, their ‘Top-4’ rivals, have strengthened themselves significantly along with both the Manchester clubs despite having plenty of quality resources already to achieve silverware. Liverpool’s lack of ambition has infuriated the supporters, who are now turning against their charismatic gaffer. They would now ask for his dismissal if the Reds fail to achieve a Champions League berth.
A couple of deals, however, would be ideal for the Merseysiders in order to strengthen themselves for a decent Champions League run as well as ensuring a Premier League ‘top four’ finish, having already been knocked out of both the cup competitions.
Riyad Mahrez
Age: 26
Current Club: Leicester City
Nationality: Algerian
A fans’ favourite and quite capable of fitting into the Reds attack following a comprehensive Premier League run that includes a fairy tale Premier League triumph with Leicester City. The wingman was honoured as league’s Player of the Year back in 2016 and has kept on performing as a true professional despite handing in a transfer request last summer.
A deal didn’t occur back then due to AS Roma’s failure to match the Algerian’s asking fee but he is now reportedly being targeted by league leaders Manchester City following the latest injury concern of Leroy Sane. The player was linked with a move to Anfield but it looks like nothing is close to completion. His Premier League experience, as well as the availability to play in the Champions League, are two strong points for Liverpool to consider.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_PL201GIBM
Sergej Milinković-Savić
The young Serbian international is someone the Reds badly need right now to draw an end to their midfield mediocrity. Milinkovic-Savic has been performing splendidly since last season and has been improving immensely in every outing. He holds a €100m asking fee but the Reds are supposed to have the funds now, to spend on a quality midfielder who will be a bigger influence than the departing Emre Can and capable of forming a lethal midfield partnership with Naby Keita, who will be joining Liverpool in the summer.
The 22-year-old holds strong physical presence and his box-to-box movements along with work rate will bring in more defensive stability as they lack a strong, combative and destructive midfield resource to screen the backline. Milinkovic-Savic will offer the same in the middle of the park and the Merseysiders must react now before someone else secures a deal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnnqr6ZYQ38