Liverpool need a complete makeover under Jurgen Klopp it seems. The German was initially hesitant on thinking about any new signings for the team in the January transfer window but the lack of goals seems to have become a major concern for the German as he plots to bring in another attacker for the Reds.
Shakhtar Donetsk’s Alex Teixeira seems to be the player targeted by Liverpool; he has been on the radar for many Premier League teams thanks to his exploits in the Champions League and the Ukrainian League this season.
The 26-year-old Brazilian has scored 26 times in all competitions this season and although he didn’t think about moving away from the club initially, he has now spoken with the club as he is ready to move away from the club in this window and not the next.
Teixeira, told the Brazilian newspaper Globo: “I would like to move in this transfer window and have told them [Shakhtar] that. They have received a very good offer and they are working on a solution. But if I don’t go now then I will leave in the summer.
“After six years in Europe and with Shakhtar we are ready to move and I have spoken to my wife and daughter.”
While many would question the move for a player that hasn’t played in a world class league, there is another problem that is being brought up. Liverpool already have a range of attackers in their squad, Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino, Adam Lallana, Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho, Danny Ings and Divock Origi. Also Mario Balotelli is away on loan and he should be back at Liverpool at the start of next season. But there are high hopes for one of the brightest Brazilian players at the moment and we look at why he could be the answer to Liverpool’s goal scoring woes.
A goal scoring midfielder: The solution for Liverpool
Teixeira has been on fire for Shakhtar this season and has banged in 22 goals in just 15 league games for the club. He plays in a more advanced role in midfield and his goal scoring record for the team has been steadily improving. Last season he got 22 goals in the entire year, this year he has already surpassed that by four more.
He has also played with Philippe Coutinho earlier when the pair were in the Vasco side, though he moved towards the Ukrainian league where he has thrived. Teixeira is someone who makes a dash into the penalty box, something that has been missing for Liverpool this season.
Jurgen Klopp seems to be playing with a false nine more often than not, we saw that in the wins against Manchester City, Chelsea and Norwich, that does not bode well for the big Belgian Christian Benteke but this could be the way forward for Klopp as he seeks more movement in his attacking lineup rather than playing with a big target man.
The great thing for Alex is that he can play as a wide man as well though Liverpool fans would prefer to have a player who is a natural winger and not someone who cuts in and haves a pop at goal. The key for Liverpool could be the play between Firmino and Teixeira, they are both players who are willing to do a lot of work up front and close down the opposition.
Liverpool could have a Brazilian trio leading their attack as Firmino could be the player who plays right up at top with Coutinho and Teixeira operating behind him. The price rumoured for the Brazilian is around £24 million but that will surely rise as Shakhtar ask for more but getting him would be a great deal for Liverpool who are still searching for the goals.